Acid-base monitoring and management

Acid-base monitoring and management

Acid-base monitoring and management

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Initial Assessment - The Acid Test

  • Initial Labs: VBG/ABG & Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP).
  • Core Triad:
    • Metabolic Acidosis: pH < 7.3, HCO₃⁻ < 18 mEq/L.
    • High Anion Gap: > 12. Formula: $Na^+ - (Cl^- + HCO_3^-)$.
    • Ketosis: Positive serum or urine ketones.
  • 📌 MUDPILES for differential diagnosis of high anion gap metabolic acidosis.

⭐ A Venous Blood Gas (VBG) is often sufficient for initial pH and bicarbonate monitoring, sparing the patient from a more invasive ABG.

Metabolic Acidosis: High vs. Normal Anion Gap Causes

Bicarbonate Therapy - The Fizz Question

Generally avoided. Insulin is the key to stopping ketogenesis and resolving acidosis. Bicarbonate is a temporary fix with significant risks.

  • Indication: Reserved for severe metabolic acidosis where pH < 6.9, leading to hemodynamic compromise.
  • Risks:
    • Hypokalemia (due to K⁺ shift into cells)
    • Volume overload
    • Left shift of oxyhemoglobin curve (↓ tissue O₂)

Paradoxical CNS Acidosis: Infused bicarbonate ($HCO_3^−$) is converted to $CO_2$, which readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This worsens acidosis in the cerebrospinal fluid, potentially leading to cerebral edema and coma.

Monitoring Response - Gap Watching

  • Primary Goal: Close the anion gap (AG). Resolution of DKA is defined by AG closure, not just euglycemia or pH normalization.
  • Calculation: $AG = Na^+ - (Cl^- + HCO_3^-)$. Normal is < 12 mEq/L.
  • Frequency: Monitor serum electrolytes and calculate the gap every 2-4 hours.
  • Transition Criteria: Closing the anion gap to < 12 mEq/L is a key criterion for transitioning from IV insulin to subcutaneous insulin.

⭐ As the ketoacidosis resolves, a transient, non-anion gap hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis may emerge. This is due to renal bicarbonate loss and chloride retention from large-volume saline resuscitation and is typically self-limiting.

Resolution Criteria - The Finish Line

  • Primary goal is anion gap closure, not just euglycemia. DKA resolves when the following are met:
    • Anion Gap: < 12 mEq/L
    • Blood Glucose: < 200 mg/dL
    • Serum Bicarbonate: ≥ 15 mEq/L
    • Venous pH: > 7.3
  • Patient must be clinically stable and able to tolerate oral intake before stopping the insulin infusion.
  • Transition Protocol:
    • Administer long-acting subcutaneous insulin 1-2 hours before discontinuing the IV insulin drip to prevent relapse into ketoacidosis.

⭐ The anion gap is the first and most important parameter to normalize in DKA treatment; bicarbonate levels often lag behind. Closing the gap indicates cessation of ketone production.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Anion gap closure is the primary therapeutic endpoint, not pH or bicarbonate level.
  • Continue IV insulin until the anion gap normalizes, even if glucose is <200 mg/dL.
  • Reserve sodium bicarbonate for severe, life-threatening acidemia (pH < 6.9).
  • Monitor the anion gap every 2-4 hours to assess DKA resolution.
  • Overlap IV and subcutaneous insulin for 1-2 hours before discontinuing the infusion.
  • A transient hyperchloremic non-anion gap metabolic acidosis is common during recovery.

Practice Questions: Acid-base monitoring and management

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 27-year-old man with a past medical history of type I diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with altered mental status. The patient was noted as becoming more lethargic and confused over the past day, prompting his roommates to bring him in. His temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 107/68 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Laboratory values are ordered as seen below. Serum: Na+: 144 mEq/L Cl-: 100 mEq/L K+: 6.3 mEq/L HCO3-: 16 mEq/L BUN: 20 mg/dL Glucose: 599 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL Ca2+: 10.2 mg/dL Which of the following is the appropriate endpoint of treatment for this patient?

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Flashcards: Acid-base monitoring and management

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Which major medical insurance plan limits patients to a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals without requirement of referrals?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which major medical insurance plan limits patients to a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals without requirement of referrals?_____

Exclusive provider organization (EPO)

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