Calculate the anion gap and comment on its significance. Describe what could be the cause of the abnormality, if applicable.

Anion gap: (Na + K) – (HCO3 + Cl) Anion gap = ( 132 + 6.2 ) - ( 10 + 101 ) = ( 138.2 ) - ( 111 ) = 27.2 mmol/L The normal range of anion gap is 10-20 mmol/L. An elevated anion gap indicates that metabolic acidosis has been caused by decreased level of HCO3. The anion gap measures the difference between the positively ( Na and K) and negatively (HCO3 and Cl) charged electrolytes in the blood. This abnormal anion gap is due to the decreased bicarbonate level and increased plasma potassium level.