Question

A 36-year-old client was admitted with gastroenteritis. She has been vomiting and having severe diarrhea for 2 days. She is very weak. The current laboratory results are Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 3.0 mEq/L, Cl− 90 mEq/L. The physician orders IV of 0.9% normal saline solution at 100 mL/hr, NPO, and I & O.

1. Are the lab results normal or abnormal? If so, which ones?
2. What treatment and/or medication(s), if any, would be ordered?
3. What complication(s) if any is likely to develop if the symptoms persist? (Discuss one)
4. What education would you provide to the client to prevent this issue in the future?

Answer 1

Decrease sodium ( Normal value 135- 150)

Decrease potassium ( Normal 3.5-5)

Decrease chloride ( Normal 98-110)

All electrolytes loss due to vomiting and diarrhea and water loss and dehydration

Treatment - normal saline treat dehydration beacuse due to dehydration kidney loss pottasium and hydrogen and preserve sodium and water so produce metabolic alklosis

Add emperical antibiotic and send stool for culture

Complications- due to dehydration patient goes into shock

For future prevention - suggest for hygiene