PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by increased H+ or HCO3 loss?

1. Respiratory acidosis

2. Metabolic alkalosis

3. Metabolic acidosis

4. Respiratory alkalosis

The correct answer is: Metabolic acidosis

The condition characterized by increased H+ or HCO3 loss is metabolic acidosis. This occurs when there is an excess of hydrogen ions (H+) in the bloodstream, which can happen through various processes such as kidney dysfunction, lactic acid buildup, or excessive loss of bicarbonate (HCO3) due to diarrhea. In metabolic acidosis, the body is unable to properly maintain acid-base balance, leading to a decrease in pH. The increased H+ ions contribute to the acidity, while the bicarbonate loss further exacerbates the condition. The physiological response often includes hyperventilation as the body attempts to compensate by expelling more CO2, which can lead to a decrease in respiratory rate and help to neutralize the acidosis. Other conditions such as respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and respiratory alkalosis have different underlying mechanisms related to carbon dioxide retention, increased bicarbonate levels, or decreased carbon dioxide levels, respectively, which do not fit the criteria of increased H+ or HCO3 loss. This makes metabolic acidosis the specific condition that aligns with the described changes in acid-base balance.