Question

Mrs. Bush, a 70-year-old woman, is admitted to the hospital. Her history states that she has been suffering from diarrhea for 3 weeks. On admission, she complains of severe fatigue and muscle weakness.

16. What acid/ base imbalance would you expect Mrs. Bush to have from the information given above? Type answer as 2 words from the 4 type of acid/ base imbalances possible using lowercase letters.

17. What would the major physiological issue be with Mrs. Bush due to the prolonged diarrhea? Type answer as 1 word using lowercase letters. Think simple and obvious. The doctor orders blood work. Mrs. Bush’s blood chemistry study yields the following results: Na+ 142 mEq/ L K + 1.5 mEq/ L Cl92 mEq/ L pCO2 32 mm Hg

18. Is Na+ - within normal limits, above normal limits, or below normal limits? Choose one of the 3 options given and type using lowercase letters and separating words using one space.

19. Is K+ - within normal limits, above normal limits, or below normal limits? Choose one of the 3 options given and type using lowercase letters and separating words using one space.

20. Is Cl- - within normal limits, above normal limits, or below normal limits? Choose one of the 3 options given and type using lowercase letters and separating words using one space.

21. Is pCO2- within normal limits, above normal limits, or below normal limits? Choose one of the 3 options given and type using lowercase letters and separating words using one space.

22. What do these results indicate the body is doing to compensate for the acid/ base imbalance caused by the prolonged diarrhea? Be sure to use the actual blood work value(s) listed above to support your answer. Type answer as 1 or 2 short sentences, using your own words, correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Copied and pasted answers may receive 0 credit. (1 point)

Answer 1

16).

metabolic acidosis

Vomiting and diarrhea causes loss of fluid along with the electrolytes. It results in reduced fluid volume, and blood flow that cause fluid shift and shift in metabolism (from aerobic to anaerobic).

Reduced fluid volume results in reduced renal function and reduced excretion of hydrogen ions through the urine, and loss of bicarbonate through the stools. This results in metabolic acidosis.