Case 19 Addisonian crisis

Question 1

Describe the pulmonary gas exchange ang acid base status :

BP 70/50 PO2. 13 on air
Pulse. 120 PCO2. 3.3
RR. 25. H+. 48. PH. 7.32
k. 5.6. HCO3. 13
Na. 121. BM 2.5
BP. 70/50. Lactate 3.

Answer 1

Hyperventilation secondary to metabolic acidosis

Partially compensated metabolic acidosis

Addisonian crisis or ‘adrenal insufficiency’ is a medical emergency leading to circulatory collapse and metabolic acidosis. Rx with IV corticosteroid (hydrocortisone).