AEMCA Practice Exam

Which condition can lead to metabolic acidosis?

1. Diabetic ketoacidosis

2. Severe dehydration

3. High blood pressure

4. Hyperventilation

The correct answer is: Diabetic ketoacidosis

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by an increase in acidity (lower pH) of the blood and other body tissues, typically due to the accumulation of acid or a significant loss of bicarbonate. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that specifically results in metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketone bodies produced from the breakdown of fats for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin. This condition often occurs in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes when glucose is not available, and the body resorts to fat metabolism, leading to excessive production of acidic ketone bodies. In contrast, severe dehydration can lead to other complications but is not directly linked to the accumulation of acids in the body. High blood pressure is primarily a cardiovascular concern and does not result in metabolic acidosis directly. Hyperventilation generally leads to respiratory alkalosis, as it causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, reducing acidity in the blood. Therefore, among the options given, diabetic ketoacidosis is the most direct cause of metabolic acidosis due to its specific biochemical processes.