Common mistakes in managing metabolic disorders.

Three mistakes are commonly made in managing metabolic disorders. 1. Oral fluids may be pushed to treat simple volume depletion. However, almost all fluids used for this purpose are sodium-poor and do not restore salt and water balance. 2. The physician may not be aware of common causes of hypophosphatemia, such as hyperventilation, sepsis, stress, use of antacids or diuretics, and alcoholism. If the patient is not monitored adequately, severe hypophosphatemia may develop with serious consequences. 3. Low serum bicarbonate levels may be attributed to metabolic acidosis only, when in actuality metabolic acidosis may coexist with respiratory alkalosis. Arterial blood gas studies differentiate the conditions and direct attention to the cause of respiratory alkalosis when present.