Chronic Kidney Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 34-year-old woman preparing for a high-altitude trek is started on acetazolamide prophylaxis. She presents with BP 118/76 mmHg, HR 88/min, RR 20/min, and SpO2 98% on room air. Serum bicarbonate is 20 mEq/L (normal 22-26). She denies dyspnea or chest pain. Which of the following acid-base disturbances is most likely to occur shortly after initiating acetazolamide?
Answer choices
- ARespiratory alkalosis
- BMetabolic alkalosis
- CRespiratory acidosis
- DNormal anion gap metabolic acidosisCorrect answer
- EHigh anion gap metabolic acidosis
- FMixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis
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