Acid-Base Abnormalities (Assessment & Diagnosis) — 52yo Man | Hepatology | MCCQE1 Q#10800
MCCQE1 Question #10800
Dimension of Care
Acute Care
Activity
Assessment & Diagnosis
Objective
Acid-Base Abnormalities
Section
Medicine / Family Medicine
Subject
Hepatology
Last updated: February 2026
A 52-year-old man with long-standing alcohol use disorder and known cirrhosis is admitted for progressive confusion and increasing abdominal distension. Over the last day, he has become more agitated and is sleeping poorly. On examination, he is disoriented, with scleral icterus, tense ascites, asterixis, and mild peripheral edema. Lung auscultation is clear, and there is no wheeze or crackles. Arterial blood gas on room air shows alkalemia with low PaCO2 and normal bicarbonate. Which underlying condition best explains this patient’s acid–base disturbance?
Full answer analysis and choices are available inside the practice session.
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