A patient has profuse watery diarrhoea and a serum chloride level above the normal range. Which acid-base change is most likely?
Correct answer: A. Metabolic acidosis from bicarbonate loss
- A. Metabolic acidosis from bicarbonate loss
- B. Metabolic alkalosis from gastric acid loss
- C. Respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation
- D. Respiratory alkalosis from excessive ventilation
Explanation
Diarrhoea causes loss of bicarbonate-rich intestinal fluid, which can produce hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid through vomiting is more commonly linked with metabolic alkalosis, not the condition described.
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About Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes
Coverage includes nutrients and balanced diets, therapeutic feeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, intake and output, dehydration, fluid overload and fluid balance calculations. Questions also examine sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride disturbances, their signs and nursing care, while distinguishing enteral feeding through the gastrointestinal tract from parenteral nutrition.
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