Which of the following 'overdoses' is most commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis, but when more severe a metabolic acidosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Overdose toxicities differ in acid-base effects. Methanol causes metabolic acidosis via formic acid, not respiratory alkalosis. Lead poisoning leads to anemia or neurologic issues, rarely acid-base shifts. Paracetamol overdose induces lactic acidosis from liver failure, not respiratory changes initially. Salicylate (e.g., aspirin) overdose stimulates the respiratory center early, causing hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis (low pCO2), but severe cases add metabolic acidosis (high anion gap) from uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation and lactic acid buildup. Codeine, an opioid, depresses respiration, causing acidosis, not alkalosis. Salicylate's dual pattern is distinctive, requiring urgent recognition—initial alkalosis shifts to acidosis as toxicity worsens, guiding bicarbonate or dialysis treatment.