Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is characteristically found in one of the following:
What our notes say
- 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)
- Metabolic acidosis: Stored blood has a low pH and lactate accumulation; however, the citrate in transfused blood is metabolized to bicarbonate, often leading to a paradoxical metabolic alkalosis in the long term, though initial acidosis can occur. (Blood Transfusion Medicine: An Exam-Focused Review)
- *c)* What is the expected respiratory compensation for a primary metabolic alkalosis? (1 mark) (Chemical Path, Long Answer and Short Answer)
- Medical treatment of hypokalaemic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, with an example (3 marks) (General Surgery CAT 2 (MBSG 4600): 4 October 2021)
- Acidosis pushes potassium out of cells, early aspirin poisoning gives respiratory alkalosis, and vomiting gives metabolic alkalosis. (Paediatrics Year 6 MBChB end of semester CAT: clinical case MCQs, 29 of 30 quest)
Study material on Metabolic Alkalosis
- Chemical Pathology MCQs: Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine & Renal
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs and essays
- Chemical path 2021
- Chemical Pathology Semester 1 — Short Answer Questions
- Medical MCQs: Chemical Pathology & Haematology Exam Review
- ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS MCQs
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
- Chemical Pathology Sem 1
Practice questions on Metabolic 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 of the following is a cause of metabolic alkalosis?
- Severe vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Renal failure
Answer: A. Severe vomiting leads to loss of gastric acid (HCl), which causes metabolic alkalosis. Diarrhea typically causes metabolic acidosis due to loss of bicarbonate-rich intestinal fluid. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a cause of metabolic acidosis. Renal failure can lead to either acidosis or alkalosis depending on the specific dysfunction.