Acid Base/Electrolyte Disturbances

Question 1

Signs of Hypokalemia?

Answer 1

Everything is Flat

U waves on ECG, flattened T waves, arrhythmias, muscle spasm

Question 2

Signs of Hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

Wide QRS and Peaked T waves on ECG, Arrhythmias, muscle weakness

Question 3

Signs of Hyper Calcemia?

Answer 3

Stones (renal), bones (pain), groans (abdominal pain), thrones (􏰀urinary frequency), psychiatric overtones (anxiety, altered mental status), but not necessarily calciuria

Question 4

Sings of Hypocalcemia

Answer 4

Tetany, seizures, QT prolongation

Question 5

Metabolic acidosis/Alkalosis has immediate compensation via ?

Answer 5

Hyper or Hypoventilation

Question 6

Resp. acidosis/Alkalosis has delayed?

Answer 6

HCO3- reabsorption or secretion

Question 7

Mnemonic for Resp. Acidosis?

Answer 7

A patient with Resp. Acidosis is going to DROOL
Disease (Acute Lung)
Respiratory Muscle
Obstruction (airway)
Opioids 
Lung (Chronic)

Question 8

How do you calculate Anion Gap?

Answer 8

Anion gap = Na – (Cl + HCO3)

Normal=8-12

Question 9

Anion Gap metabolic acidosis?

Answer 9

Methanol (formic acid) 
Uremia
Diabetic ketoacidosis 
Propylene glycol
Iron tablets or Isoniazid
Lactic acidosis
Ethylene glycol (oxalic acid) 
Salicylates (late)

Question 10

Non anion gap metabolic acidosis?

Answer 10

HARD-ASS:
Hyperalimentation
Addison disease
Renal tubular acidosis 
Diarrhea 
Acetazolamide 
Spironolactone 
Saline infusion

Question 11

Resp. Alkalosis Mnemonic?

Answer 11

Climb a mountain to maintain your HEALTH

High altitude
Emboli
ASA (earLy)
Tumor
Hysteria

Question 12

Metabolic alkalosis Mnemonic?

Answer 12

Vomiting HEALS
Hyperaldosteronism
Emesis
Antacid use
Loop/thiazide diuretics