Vomiting Mr. K.B. is age 81 and has had gastritis with severe vomiting for 3 day
ID: 90347 • Letter: V
Question
Vomiting Mr. K.B. is age 81 and has had gastritis with severe vomiting for 3 days. He has a history of heart problems and is presently feeling dizzy and lethargic. His eyes appear sunken, his mouth is dry, he walks unsteadily, and he complains of muscle aching. particularly in the abdomen He is thirsty but is unable to retain food or fluid. A neighbor has brought Mr. K.B to the hospital, where examination shows that his blood pressure is low, and s pulse and respirations are rapid. Laboratory tests demonstrate elevated hematocrit, hypernatremia, decreased serum bicarbonate, serum pH 7.35, and urine of high specific gravity (highly concentrated)Explanation / Answer
1. In early stages of dehydration when the fluid loss is between 0 percent to 5 percent the compartment most likely to be affected early is the extracellular fluid compartment.
2. When sodium levels are low in the blood due to the loss of sodium ions the water present in the bloodstream will leave the blood and enter into the cells causing them to swell. Thus hyponatremia will lead to dehydration.
3. The early signs of dehydration are increased thirst, dry mouth, decreased urinary frequency, dark coloured urine, fatigue dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate and pulse rate, decreased blood pressure and headache.
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