GI & Endocrine
When gastric contents are chronically refluxed into the esophagus, pre-cancerous columnar epithelium can replace squamous cells in a condition called this.
Barrett’s esophagus (metaplasia)
In a post-op patient, this sign (cold, clammy skin + hypotension + tachycardia) is most consistent with this potential early surgical complication.
Hemorrhage
An ABG with low pH (<7.35), high CO₂ (>45 mmHg), and normal/raised HCO₃ suggests this primary imbalance.
Respiratory acidosis
A malignant skin tumor with irregular borders and multiple colors is most suspicious for this.
Melanoma
This electrolyte imbalance is common in metabolic acidosis and arises as H⁺ shifts into cells.
Hyperkalemia
This hormone, produced by the pancreas, lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake of glucose into cells.
Insulin
After a surgical wound opens and abdominal contents protrude, the correct immediate action is this.
Cover with sterile saline-soaked gauze and notify provider (evisceration)
This disorder results from hyperventilation resulting in low CO₂ and high pH.
Respiratory alkalosis
This pattern of cellular adaptation is a key step toward cancer when one normal cell type is replaced by another better suited to stress.
Metaplasia
Low sodium from SIADH most often produces this neurologic symptom due to cerebral edema
Confusion or seizures
A patient with hyperthyroidism may present with tachycardia, heat intolerance, tremors, and elevated levels of these two thyroid hormones.
T3 & T4
During assessment of a skeletal traction device, this complication is suggested by swelling, pallor, pain out of proportion, and decreased distal pulses.
Compartment syndrome
A metabolic acidosis with compensatory hyperventilation to blow off CO₂ produces this characteristic respiratory pattern.
Kussmaul respirations
This term refers to the process where cancer cells break off from the primary tumor and spread to distant sites.
Metastasis
Edema and ascites in liver disease often result from a decrease in this oncotic pressure–producing plasma protein.
Albumin
This endocrine condition is caused by excess cortisol and presents with moon face, truncal obesity, and hyperglycemia.
Cushing’s syndrome
A post-operative patient suddenly develops tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, cool clammy skin, and decreased urine output. What life-threatening condition is most likely occurring?
Hypovolemic shock (often due to hemorrhage)
Explain the ROME mnemonic used to interpret ABGs.
Respiratory Opposite — pH and CO₂ move opposite; Metabolic Equal — pH and HCO₃ move in same direction
Basal cell carcinoma often presents with this physical characteristic on the skin.
Waxy, pearly appearance
This acid–base imbalance results from excessive vomiting leading to loss of gastric acid.
Metabolic alkalosis
A patient with Addison’s disease has destruction of the adrenal cortex. Name two hallmark findings associated with this disorder.
Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypotension, hyperpigmentation
(any two accepted)
This renal condition involves ascending infection from lower urinary tract causing flank pain, fever, and positive urine cultures.
Pyelonephritis
A patient with COPD has a chronic elevation of this value due to impaired CO₂ elimination.
PaCO₂
Tumor lysis syndrome is a dangerous chemo-related complication. Name two metabolic abnormalities it causes.
Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia
(any two accepted)
Explain how the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis.
By increasing bicarbonate reabsorption and H⁺ secretion to raise the pH