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
ANS: B
An increased anion gap (>14 mEq/L) is caused by metabolic acidosis in which fixed acids accu-mulate in the body.
Health Professions
You might also like to view...
The first concern at the scene of an emergency is:
A) scene safety. B) to determine what caused the injury. C) the patient's chief complaint. D) to carry out emergency duties.
Health Professions
If a medical practice does not have enough patients for a full-time medical biller, it might use a:
a. nurse. b. billing company. c. patient. d. software program.
Health Professions