Consider the following case study Susan, a 30-year-old woman recently had a proc

Question

Consider the following case study

Susan, a 30-year-old woman recently had a procedure where high volumes of water were injected inter her lower colon, a procedure known as colon cleansing. Following the procedure, Susan was rushed to the hospital as she absorbed large amounts of water into her blood and was found to be unconscious. Her, blood pressure was high 150/95, her plasma sodium concentration was lower than the normal value of 135 mEq/L and was 105 mEq/L. Lastly, her plasma osmolarity was 260 mOsM -- being below the normal value of 275 - 295 mOsM

1) Discuss all homeostatic responses the patient's body is using in an attempt to compensate for the changes in her blood pressure and blood osmolarity.

Explanation / Answer

The patient is suffering from hypervolemia. This leads to increase in volume of extracellular fluid (ECF) which causes circulatory overload. This can lead to increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Raised MAP inhibits the secretion of anti diuretic hormone from posterior pituitary. So, more fluid is excreted through kidneys correcting hypervolemia and hypertension. Also, aldosterone secretion is increased which increases tubular reabsorption of sodium. This corrects the blood osmolarity.

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