Question

Kirsten, a 3-month-old infant, has begun to have frequent loose stools that progress to a watery diarrhea. She is unresponsive, with dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanels, and little, if any, urine output. Respirations are rapid and the heart rate is elevated.

Questions

1. What acid-base imbalance is Kirsten experiencing, and how is this affecting her ability to compensate?
2. What is the cause of oliguria, and how does this complicate the situation?
3. How will hydration affect Kirsten’s ability to compensate for the acid-base imbalance?

Answer 1

Metabolic acidosis Kirsten experiencing. PCO2 compensation will be there in metabolic acidosis by rapid breathing by reducing the amount of acid in the blood.
Oliguria caused by severe watery diarrhea. she is dehydrated, so her PH level low and her urine output is less. there will be high acid production and sodium bicarbonate loss from intestine occur, it causes renal hypoperfusion or toxic injury to the kidney.
Hydration with sodium bicarbonate can impact acid-base balance, it treats acid-base balance and acidosis with bicarbonate loss.