Acid-Base Disorders
Explain the acid-base disorder shown by these results (3 marks)
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- Explain the acid-base disorder shown by these results (3 marks) (Chemical path 2021 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- State 3 possible causes of this acid-base disorder (3 marks) (Chemical path 2021 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Explain the acid-base disorder shown by these results. (3 Marks) (Chemical Pathology MCQs: Diabetes, Renal & Liver Disease)
- State 3 possible causes of this acid-base disorder. (3 Marks) (Chemical Pathology MCQs: Diabetes, Renal & Liver Disease)
- Topic: Case-Based Calculations — Anion Gap & Acid-Base Disorders (Chemical Pathology MCQs: Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine & Renal)
- | Electrolyte Panel | Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻ ± Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, PO₄³⁻ | Electrolyte balance, acid-base disorders | (CRUSH COURSE YEAR 3 SEM 1 WORK (Part 1) )
Study material on Acid-Base Disorders
- Chemical Pathology MCQs: Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine & Renal
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- CRUSH COURSE YEAR 3 SEM 1 WORK (Part 1)
- Chemical Path, Long Answer and Short Answer
- ACID-BASE DISORDERS - CLINICAL CASE MCQs
- ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS MCQs
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Weekly Pathology Exam - May 15, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - May 1, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - April 10, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Acid-Base Disorders
A 45-year-old diabetic in DKA: ABG: pH 7.18, PaCO₂ 24 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 9 mmol/L; Na⁺ 138, Cl⁻ 100, HCO₃⁻ 9. What is the most likely acid-base disorder?
- High anion gap metabolic acidosis only
- High anion gap metabolic acidosis + respiratory alkalosis
- Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis only
- Mixed metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis
Answer: B. ** AG = 138 - (100 + 9) = 29 (high). pH is low with low HCO₃⁻ (metabolic acidosis). Expected PaCO₂ by Winter's = 1.5(9) + 8 = 21.5 ± 2 (19.5-23.5). Actual PaCO₂ is 24, which is slightly higher than expected but close, suggesting possible mixed disorder with mild respiratory alkalosis component from Kussmaul breathing. ---
Which acid-base disorder is commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis Correct
Answer: A. CKD causes metabolic acidosis due to decreased acid excretion, reduced ammonia production, and bicarbonate loss. ---
A 50-year-old woman with severe vomiting for three days presents with muscle cramps and weakness. Lab results: Na⁺ 138 mmol/L, K⁺ 2.8 mmol/L, Cl⁻ 85 mmol/L, HCO₃⁻ 34 mmol/L. What is the acid-base disorder?
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis Correct
Answer: A. High bicarbonate (34 mmol/L) with hypokalemia and hypochloremia from vomiting indicates metabolic alkalosis. ---
A 35-year-old diabetic man presents with confusion and deep rapid breathing. Blood gas: pH 7.1, PaCO₂ 22 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 10 mmol/L, glucose 550 mg/dL. What is the primary acid-base disorder?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Mixed disorder Correct
Answer: A. Low pH (7.1) with low bicarbonate (10) and compensatory hyperventilation (low CO₂) indicates metabolic acidosis from DKA. ---
A 72-year-old man with COPD presents with confusion. Blood gas: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 60 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 28 mmol/L. What is the most likely acid-base disorder?
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis Correct
Answer: A. Low pH with high CO₂ indicates respiratory acidosis. Elevated bicarbonate suggests chronic compensation. ---
A 70-year-old COPD patient presents with confusion. Blood gas: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 60 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 32 mmol/L. What is the acid-base disorder?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Mixed disorder Correct
Answer: B. Low pH with high CO₂ indicates respiratory acidosis. Elevated bicarbonate shows chronic renal compensation. ---