Salicylate Acid-Base — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateClinical PharmacologySalicylate Acid-BaseRACP Adult Medicine

A 45-year-old woman: pH 7.52, PaCO₂ 20, HCO₃ 16. Serum salicylate 4.5 mmol/L. Characteristic acid-base pattern?

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Correct answer: E — Mixed respiratory alkalosis AND metabolic acidosis

Salicylate: respiratory alkalosis (central respiratory centre stimulation) + HAGMA (impaired oxidative phosphorylation, lactic/ketoacidosis).

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Toxicology