Metabolic Acidosis

Question 1

What is the formula for calculating the anion gap?

Answer 1

(Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + HCO-3)

The normal range for anion gap is 10-18 mmol/L.

Question 2

What condition is associated with a normal anion gap?

Answer 2

Hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis

This condition can be due to gastrointestinal bicarbonate loss.

Question 3

List three causes of gastrointestinal bicarbonate loss.

Answer 3

• Prolonged diarrhoea
• Ureterosigmoidostomy
• Fistula

Question 4

What is a potential drug cause of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis?

Answer 4

Acetazolamide

Other drug-related causes include ammonium chloride injection.

Question 5

What disease is associated with normal anion gap metabolic acidosis?

Answer 5

Addison’s disease

Question 6

What does a raised anion gap indicate?

Answer 6

Presence of acids in the blood

Common causes include lactate, ketones, urate, and acid poisoning.

Question 7

List two conditions that can cause raised anion gap due to lactate.

Answer 7

• Shock
• Sepsis

Question 8

What type of metabolic acidosis is caused by diabetic ketoacidosis?

Answer 8

Raised anion gap metabolic acidosis due to ketones

Question 9

What substance is associated with raised anion gap metabolic acidosis in renal failure?

Answer 9

Urate

Question 10

What are the two types of lactic acidosis?

Answer 10

• Lactic acidosis type A
• Lactic acidosis type B

Question 11

What conditions are classified under lactic acidosis type A?

Answer 11

• Sepsis
• Shock
• Hypoxia
• Burns

Question 12

What is a common cause of lactic acidosis type B?

Answer 12

Metformin

Question 13

What can cause metabolic acidosis in colorectal surgery patient?

Answer 13

Loss from high output stoma which is normal gap