A 45-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband due to progressive confusion, tinnitus, and multiple episodes of vomiting over the past 24 hours. She has a history of major depressive disorder and chronic osteoarthritis, for which she takes several over-the-counter medications. Her temperature is 38.1°C (100.6°F), blood pressure is 112/70 mm Hg, pulse is 118/min, and respiratory rate is 28/min. She appears agitated and diaphoretic.
Laboratory studies show:
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 142 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.4 mEq/L |
| Chloride | 94 mEq/L |
| Bicarbonate | 14 mEq/L |
| Blood urea nitrogen | 28 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 1.4 mg/dL |
| Albumin | 4.0 g/dL |
Arterial blood gas on room air:
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.43 |
| PaCO2 | 21 mm Hg |
| PaO2 | 95 mm Hg |
Based on these laboratory results, which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this patient's acid-base status?
- Mixed high anion gap metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and respiratory alkalosisCevap
- BMixed high anion gap metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis
- CPrimary high anion gap metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation and concurrent metabolic alkalosis
- DPrimary respiratory alkalosis with appropriate metabolic compensation
- EMixed normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and respiratory alkalosis
Cevap
Mixed high anion gap metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and respiratory alkalosis
The correct answer accurately identifies three simultaneous primary acid-base disturbances, which is highly characteristic of severe salicylate toxicity with concurrent vomiting. First, the calculated anion gap of mEq/L (Normal mEq/L) confirms a high anion gap metabolic acidosis. Second, Winter's formula [Expected PaCO ] yields an expected PaCO of mm Hg. The patient's measured PaCO of mm Hg is significantly lower, indicating a concurrent primary respiratory alkalosis. Finally, calculating the delta gap [ AG Measured AG () Normal AG () ] and the corrected bicarbonate [Measured HCO () AG () mEq/L] reveals a value much greater than mEq/L, uncovering a concurrent metabolic alkalosis.
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Anahtar Kavram
Interpretation of complex triple acid-base disorders using sequential mathematical synthesis: the anion gap, Winter's formula, and the delta gap.