Reference no: EM132938802 , Length: Word count: 550

Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Homeostasis:

Ms. Brown is a 70-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been too ill to get out of bed for 2 days. She has had a severe cough and has been unable to eat or drink during this time. On admission, her laboratory values show the following:

Serum glucose 412 mg/dL
Serum sodium (Na+) 156 mEq/L
Serum potassium (K+) 5.6 mEq/L
Serum chloride (Cl-) 115 mEq/L
Arterial blood gases (ABGs): pH 7.30; PaCO2 32 mmHg; PaO2 70 mmHg; HCO3- 20 mEq/L
Case Study Questions

Question 1: Based on Ms. Brown admission's laboratory values, could you determine what type of water and electrolyte imbalance does she has?

Question 2: Describe the signs and symptoms to the different types of water imbalance and described clinical manifestation she might exhibit with the potassium level she has.

Question 3: In the specific case presented which would be the most appropriate treatment for Ms. Brown and why?

Question 4: What the ABGs from Ms. Brown indicate regarding her acid-base imbalance?

Question 5: Based on your readings and your research define and describe Anion Gaps and its clinical significance.