Metabolic acidosis

Question 1

What are the two major mechanisms for metabolic acidosis?

Answer 1

1. Loss of base

2. Gain strong acid

Question 2

What is hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis?

Answer 2

1. Normal anion gap

2. Loss of bicarbonate ions but raised CL- ions

Question 3

Name 3 causes of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis?

Answer 3

1. GI loss of bicarbonate via diarrhoea
2. Renal tubular acidosis
3. Addison’s disease - adrenal gland insufficiency