A 2 year old child is being evaluated for persistent metabolic acidosis. Blood tests show Na+ 140mEq/1. K+ 3mEq/1, Ca2+ 8mg/1, Mg+2 mEq/l. phosphate 3 mEq/1, pH 7.22, bicarbonate 16mEq/1 and chloride 112mEq/1. The plasma anion gap is:
High-Yield Explanation
Answer is B (15) : Substitution of values for Na+, HCO2 andcr in the deduction formula gives us an anion gap value of' 15 Plasma electrolyte values in patient Deduction from formula Na+ 140meq/1 Anion Gap : I++) Because there are more unmeasured anions than cations, the normal anion gap is 10-12 mmo1/1. e