Metabolic Acidosis

• What is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis?

  Increase in acid (H⁺) or loss of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
• What conditions can lead to metabolic acidosis?

  Starvation, renal failure, dehydration, diarrhea
• How does diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) contribute to metabolic acidosis?

  Ketone acids accumulate in the body
• What happens in renal failure related to metabolic acidosis?

  Kidneys fail to excrete H⁺
• How does severe diarrhea affect bicarbonate levels?

  It causes loss of HCO₃⁻ from intestines
• What is renal tubular acidosis?

  Inability to reabsorb HCO₃⁻
• What is the relationship between bicarbonate and pH in metabolic acidosis?

  ↓ HCO₃⁻ + ↑ H⁺ → ↓ pH (Acidosis)
• How do the lungs compensate for metabolic acidosis?

  By excreting CO₂ through hyperventilation
• What is Kussmaul breathing?

  Increased respiratory rate in severe acidosis
• What is the key equation related to bicarbonate and acid balance?

  HCO₃⁻ + H⁺ ↔ H₂CO₃ ↔ CO₂ + H₂O
• What happens when there is a decrease in HCO₃⁻ or an increase in H⁺?

  It shifts the equation to the right, increasing CO₂
• What is a common cause of lactic acidosis?

  Hypoxia, shock, or sepsis
• What lab findings are indicative of metabolic acidosis?

  ↓ pH, ↓ HCO₃⁻, ↓ PaCO₂
• What does the anion gap help differentiate?

  Causes of metabolic acidosis
• What is the treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

  Insulin administration
• What is a treatment option for severe metabolic acidosis?

  Bicarbonate therapy
• What treatment is used for renal failure or toxin ingestion?

  Dialysis
• What therapy is indicated for lactic acidosis?

  Oxygen therapy