Which option below causes metabolic acidosis?

Choice A: Alkalosis

Alkalosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.25, which indicates an acidic environment rather than an alkaline one. Therefore, alkalosis is not the correct answer.

Choice B: Respiratory

Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is determined by the levels of PaCO2. In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 is elevated, while in respiratory alkalosis, PaCO2 is decreased. Here, the PaCO2 is 20 mm Hg, which is below the normal range, indicating a respiratory component. However, the primary issue is not respiratory because the HCO3- is also significantly low, pointing towards a metabolic cause.

Choice C: Metabolic

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3- level. In this case, the pH is 7.25, and the HCO3- is 10 mEq/L, both of which are below the normal ranges. This indicates that the primary acid-base imbalance is metabolic acidosis.

Choice D: Acidosis

Acidosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range (below 7.35). The given pH of 7.25 confirms that the patient is experiencing acidosis. However, this choice alone does not specify whether it is metabolic or respiratory acidosis.

Choice E: With Compensation (Being Compensated)

Compensation refers to the body’s attempt to return the pH to normal by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 or HCO3-. In this case, the low PaCO2 suggests that there is a respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis. However, the primary imbalance remains metabolic acidosis.

Choice A Reason:

Primary prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and vaccinations. Mammograms, however, are not used to prevent breast cancer from occurring but to detect it early.

Choice B Reason:

Secondary prevention aims to detect and address a disease early in its course to prevent progression. Mammograms are a classic example of secondary prevention because they are used to screen for breast cancer in women who do not yet show symptoms2. Early detection through mammograms can lead to earlier treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates.

Choice C Reason:

Disease treatment refers to the direct management of a diagnosed condition. For breast cancer, this could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical interventions. Mammograms are not a treatment but a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of cancer.

Choice D Reason:

Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the complications of an existing disease to prevent further deterioration. For breast cancer, this might involve rehabilitation, ongoing treatment to prevent recurrence, and palliative care. Mammograms are used for early detection, not for managing complications of already diagnosed cancer.