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What are the primary causes of metabolic alkalosis?
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Metabolic alkalosis is often caused by proton loss through gastrointestinal means (e.g., vomiting) or renal losses, leading to increased bicarbonate levels.
List three common causes of Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (AGMA).
1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis, 2. Uremic Acidosis, 3. Lactic Acidosis.
Name two conditions that might lead to respiratory acidosis.
Conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and drug overdoses can lead to hypoventilation and subsequent respiratory acidosis.
What indicates an elevated anion gap, and what does it signify in metabolic acidosis?
An elevated anion gap (AG > 12) indicates the presence of excess organic acids, signifying conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis.
How is metabolic acidosis typically compensated for naturally in the body?
It is compensated by increased respiratory ventilation to lower CO2 levels, which in turn can help increase blood pH.
What are the potential complications of untreated metabolic acidosis?
Complications include electrolyte disturbances like hyperkalemia, respiratory compensation via hyperventilation, and myocardial contractility inhibition at very low pH levels.
What is the significance of calculating urine anion gap in metabolic acidosis?
The urine anion gap helps assess if the kidneys are appropriately excreting acid in cases of metabolic acidosis, providing insights into renal function.
In what scenarios might BiPAP be used for treating acid-base disorders?
BiPAP may be used in conditions of respiratory acidosis, particularly in cases like COPD exacerbation, to improve ventilation and decrease CO2 levels.
Explain the pathophysiology of Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (NAGMA).
NAGMA is typically caused by the loss of bicarbonate from the body, either through gastrointestinal (e.g., diarrhea) or renal losses (e.g., renal tubular acidosis).
What is the anion gap calculation formula used for diagnosing metabolic acidosis?
The anion gap calculation is Na - (Cl + HCO3).
How does hypokalemia complicate metabolic alkalosis?
Hypokalemia can lead to symptoms such as arrhythmias and muscle twitching due to its effect on nerve and muscle cells, complicating metabolic alkalosis further.
Explain how hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis.
Hyperventilation decreases CO2 levels in the blood, which removes acid and raises blood pH, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
What primary issues should be addressed when treating respiratory alkalosis?
Treatment should focus on managing the underlying cause, such as reducing anxiety, pain, or addressing hypoxia if present.
Discuss the relationship between hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis.
Hypoventilation leads to increased CO2 retention, which reduces blood pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis.
Why is the arterial blood gas (ABG) test crucial in diagnosing acid-base disorders?
The ABG test provides essential data including pH, CO2, and bicarbonate levels, helping to determine if the disorder is metabolic or respiratory in nature.
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