Metabolic acidosis (Hyperchloraemia)

Question 1

What is metabolic acidosis?

Answer 1

Too much acid in the body’s fluid.
Blood has a low pH
Elevated levels of chloride ions (hyperchloraemia)

Question 2

What is the normal range for chloride ions?

Answer 2

103 mmol/L

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

Sodium bicarbonate (ph <7.1)
If caused by low potassium, give potassium bicarbonate

Question 4

Management - mild metabolic acidosis

Answer 4

If associated with volume depletion, manage with fluid rehydration

Question 5

What to give if sodium bicarbonate is unsuitable?

Answer 5

Trometerol
- Causes an increase in urinary pH and osmotic diuresis.