Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient with type 2 diabetes is most likely to have which acid-base disturbance?
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Correct answer: B. Metabolic acidosis
- A. Metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and bicarbonate) is not associated with type 2 diabetes — it results from vomiting, loop diuretics, or excess bicarbonate.
- B. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly associated with METABOLIC ACIDOSIS. In uncontrolled diabetes, ketone body production (diabetic ketoacidosis, DKA) or lactic acid accumulation causes metabolic acidosis (decreased pH, decreased bicarbonate). Additionally, renal tubular acidosis and kidney disease from diabetic nephropathy can contribute to metabolic acidosis.
- C. Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation — not a primary feature of type 2 diabetes.
- D. Respiratory acidosis results from CO2 retention (hypoventilation/COPD) — not a primary feature of type 2 diabetes.
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