Alkalosis
The paper says "hyperchloraemic", but the picture that goes with hypokalaemic alkalosis is hypochloraemic (for example, vomiting from pyloric obstruction).
What our notes say
- The paper says "hyperchloraemic", but the picture that goes with hypokalaemic alkalosis is hypochloraemic (for example, vomiting from pyloric obstruction). (General Surgery CAT 2 (MBSG 4600): 4 October 2021)
- Metabolic alkalosis is characteristically found in one of the following: (Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs)
- HCO3⁻ is markedly elevated (primary metabolic alkalosis), while the raised PCO2 represents appropriate respiratory compensation (hypoventilation retaining CO2). (Chemical path 2021 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Hypokalaemia also moves H⁺ into cells and raises renal acid excretion, so alkalosis is maintained. (Chemical Pathology Semester 1 — Short Answer Questions)
- The following are causes of respiratory alkalosis EXCEPT: (Medical MCQs: Chemical Pathology & Haematology Exam Review)
- Medical treatment of hypokalaemic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, with an example (3 marks) (General Surgery CAT 2 (MBSG 4600): 4 October 2021)
Study material on Alkalosis
- Chemical Pathology MCQs: Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine & Renal
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Chemical path 2021
- Chemical Pathology MCQs: Diabetes, Renal & Liver Disease
- Medical MCQs: Chemical Pathology & Haematology Exam Review
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Chemical Pathology Semester 1 — Short Answer Questions
- Chemical Pathology Exam Paper: Acid-Base, Electrolytes, Diabetes & Renal Function (BPA2103, With Answers)
- Renal, Liver, Cardiac & Adrenal Function Tests for Year 3
- ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS MCQs
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
Practice questions on Alkalosis
Which of the following is a cause of metabolic alkalosis?
- diarrhea
- chronic renal failure
- ethylene glycol ingestion
- hyperaldosteronism
- Limited to a single tissue compartment
Answer: D. Hyperaldosteronism causes excessive sodium retention and potassium/hydrogen loss, leading to metabolic alkalosis. The other options typically cause metabolic acidosis. ---
Which of the following is a primary metabolic alkalosis?
- COPD
- Vomiting
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Renal failure Correct
Answer: B. Vomiting causes loss of gastric acid (HCl), leading to metabolic alkalosis. COPD causes respiratory acidosis. ---
A patient with severe vomiting develops metabolic alkalosis. Which mechanism explains this?
- Retention of CO2
- Loss of gastric acid (HCl)
- Accumulation of lactic acid
- Renal failure
Answer: B. ** Vomiting causes loss of gastric acid (HCl), leading to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of hydrogen ions and relative excess of bicarbonate in the blood. ---
What compensatory mechanism does the body employ in metabolic alkalosis?
- Increased ventilation
- Decreased ventilation to retain CO2
- Increased renal H+ secretion
- Decreased renal bicarbonate reabsorption only
Answer: B. ** In metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system compensates by decreasing ventilation rate to retain CO2, increasing carbonic acid levels and thereby lowering blood pH toward normal. ---
What is the primary advantage of using loop diuretics like furosemide in treating metabolic alkalosis?
- They increase CO2 retention
- They promote urinary excretion of bicarbonate
- They decrease respiratory rate
- They inhibit carbonic anhydrase
Answer: B. ** Loop diuretics like furosemide promote urinary excretion of bicarbonate ions, helping correct metabolic alkalosis by reducing blood bicarbonate concentration. ---
Which symptom is characteristic of respiratory alkalosis?
- Kussmaul respirations
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Tingling in extremities and muscle cramps
- Severe abdominal pain
Answer: C. ** Respiratory alkalosis causes tingling in the extremities, muscle cramps, and dizziness due to decreased CO2 levels and alkaline pH affecting nerve and muscle function. ---