Final answer:
Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood becomes too acidic due to a bicarbonate deficiency with symptoms including cherry-red skin or cyanosis, confusion, nausea, and deep rapid breathing. It's often related to diabetic ketoacidosis or strenuous exercise. Prompt detection and treatment are crucial to avoid severe outcomes like diabetic coma.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis, characterized by a primary bicarbonate deficiency, manifests through various signs and symptoms affecting different organ systems. When the blood pH falls below 7.35, it is indicative of an acidic environment due to insufficient bicarbonate. A common condition associated with metabolic acidosis is diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood. Moreover, the condition can arise from lactic acid buildup following strenuous exercise or from an overdose of aspirin due to its acidic metabolite, sulfasalicylic acid. Common symptoms include:
- Possible cherry-red skin or cyanosis
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Patients may gasp for air
- Seizures prior to death in severe cases
- Deep, rapid breathing as a compensatory mechanism
- Fruity-smelling breath due to exhalation of acetone
- Dry skin and mouth, flushed face, and stomach pain
It is crucial to detect and treat metabolic acidosis promptly to prevent severe complications such as diabetic coma or death.