Week 2 - Metabolic Acidosis

Question 1

What are the main causes for initial elevation of [HCO3-] in the blood?

Answer 1

1. Volume contraction
2. H+ loss in urine or GI
3. H+ shift (wrt K+)
4. Administration of HCO3-

Question 2

What are the main contributors to maintenance of elevated [HCO3-] in the blood?

Answer 2

1. Low GFR
2. Activated RAAS
3. Hypokalemia
4. Hypochloremia

Question 3

What does vomiting do to electrolytes?

Answer 3

Usually isotonic loss, but usually lose H+ & Cl- (stomach acid)

Vomiting causes hypovolemia
- turns on Na+ reabsorption