A patient has an anion gap of 21 mEq/L. Based on this ...

[Chelseaamend]

A patient has an anion gap of 21 mEq/L. Based on this information, what can you conclude?
 
  1. There is an abnormal excess of unmeasured anions in the plasma.
  2. The patient probably has metabolic acidosis.
  3. The concentration of fixed acids is decreased.
  a. 2 only
  b. 1 and 2 only
  c. 1 and 3 only
  d. 3 only

Question 2

What are some causes of metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap? 1. Diarrhea 2. Ketoacidosis 3. Lactic acidosis 4. Renal failure
 
  a. 2 and 3 only
  b. 2 and 4 only
  c. 2, 3, and 4 only
  d. 1, 3, and 4 only

[phuda]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
An increased anion gap (>14 mEq/L) is caused by metabolic acidosis in which fixed acids accu-mulate in the body.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Box 14-5 summarizes causes of anion gap and nonanion gap metabolic acidosis.