SAQ 1697 – Collapse with severe electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities

Marked out of 24.00

A 40-year-old man with alcohol dependence is found on the floor at home after not being seen for several days.

List five distinct components of examination and justify each.

(Marked out of 5.0)


/ 5

His initial venous blood gas is shown below. State the main metabolic acid-base abnormality and its likely cause.

(Marked out of 2.0)

Parameter Result
pH 7.54
pCO2 51 mmHg
HCO3 43 mmol/L
Sodium 104 mmol/L
Potassium 8.6 mmol/L
Chloride 42 mmol/L
Glucose 5.7 mmol/L


/ 2

Interpret the respiratory acid-base status, including your calculation.

(Marked out of 2.0)


/ 2

State the additional acid-base disturbance, include your calculations, and list three potential causes.

(Marked out of 5.0)


/ 5

For the severe hyponatraemia, state the likely cause, an emergency complication, and acute management of that complication.

(Marked out of 5.0)


/ 5

For the severe hyperkalaemia, state the likely cause, an emergency complication, and three management components for that complication.

(Marked out of 5.0)


/ 5

Total Score: 0 / 24

Percentage: 0%