Which option below causes metabolic acidosis?

Choice A Reason:

An increase in HCO3- (bicarbonate) is not typically associated with diarrhea and lower intestinal fluid losses. In fact, the opposite is true. Diarrhea often leads to a loss of bicarbonate, which can result in metabolic acidosis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B Reason:

This is the correct answer. Diarrhea and other lower intestinal fluid losses lead to a decrease in HCO3- levels. The loss of bicarbonate from the body results in a lower pH, contributing to metabolic acidosis. This condition occurs because bicarbonate is a key buffer that helps maintain the acid-base balance in the blood.

Choice C Reason:

An increase in the chance of alkalosis is not typically associated with diarrhea. Alkalosis refers to a condition where the pH of the blood is higher than normal, which can occur due to a loss of hydrogen ions or an increase in bicarbonate. However, diarrhea usually causes a loss of bicarbonate, leading to acidosis rather than alkalosis.

Choice D Reason:

Saying that diarrhea has no effect on the pH of the blood is incorrect. Diarrhea can significantly impact the acid-base balance in the body by causing a loss of bicarbonate, leading to metabolic acidosis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A Reason:

Fat necrosis occurs when fatty tissues are damaged, leading to the release of enzymes that break down fat cells. This type of necrosis is commonly seen in the pancreas and breast tissue, often due to trauma or pancreatitis. It is not typically associated with brain tissue.

Choice B Reason:

Coagulative necrosis is characterized by the preservation of the basic outline of the coagulated cells for a few days after cell death. This type of necrosis is usually seen in tissues affected by ischemia, such as the heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands. However, it is not the typical pattern of necrosis seen in brain tissue.

Choice C Reason:

Caseous necrosis is a form of cell death in which the tissue maintains a cheese-like appearance. It is most commonly associated with tuberculosis infections in the lungs. This type of necrosis is not typically seen in brain tissue.

Choice D Reason:

Liquefactive necrosis is the correct answer. This type of necrosis occurs when the tissue becomes soft and liquefied, often forming a pus-filled cavity. It is commonly seen in the brain due to ischemic injury or bacterial infections. The high lipid content and low structural support in brain tissue make it particularly susceptible to liquefactive necrosis.