A diabetic patient has a pH of 7.2, PaCO2 of 25 mm Hg and bicarbonate of 10 mEq/L with an elevated anion gap. What is the diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Anion gap metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
- Step 1: Ketoacids consume bicarbonate and increase the anion gap. Answer: Anion gap metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. Why not the others: Respiratory acidosis would have high CO2 and a normal anion gap acidosis would not raise the gap.
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