At what stage of shock does metabolic acidosis typically develop?

• A. Progressive stage
• B. Initial stage
• C. Compensated stage
• D. Recovery stage

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of shock: Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body fails to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to tissues, leading to cellular dysfunction. It progresses through distinct stages: initial, compensated, progressive, and recovery.
2. Learn about metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of acid or a significant loss of bicarbonate in the body, often due to inadequate oxygen delivery, leading to anaerobic metabolism and lactic acid buildup.
3. Analyze the stages of shock: In the initial stage, the body begins to experience reduced oxygen delivery, but cellular function is still maintained. In the compensated stage, the body activates mechanisms like increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to maintain perfusion. In the progressive stage, compensatory mechanisms fail, leading to widespread hypoxia, anaerobic metabolism, and lactic acid accumulation, which causes metabolic acidosis.
4. Understand why metabolic acidosis develops in the progressive stage: During this stage, tissue hypoxia becomes severe, and cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. The accumulation of lactic acid lowers blood pH, resulting in metabolic acidosis.
5. Review the recovery stage: If the shock is successfully treated, the recovery stage involves the restoration of normal oxygen delivery and cellular function, allowing the body to correct the metabolic acidosis and return to homeostasis.