26 Jan Intravenous potassium

BSC2347 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Module 08 Case Study

Question 1

Jeff is a 57-year-old male with a long history of type 1 diabetes. He takes insulin to manage his diabetes, but has been having trouble maintaining steady blood glucose levels over the last two weeks. Jeff suffered a week-long case of influenza last month, but is otherwise healthy. This morning, he began vomiting upon waking. This was followed by extreme abdominal pain and extreme thirst. He called his endocrinologist, who told him that he needs to seek emergency care.

Given Jeff’s history of type 1 diabetes, which of the following conditions is he most likely experiencing?

Answers:

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Diabetic alkalosis

Question 2

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a type of respiratory acidosis.

Answers:

True

False

Question 3

If Jeff has diabetic ketoacidosis, which of the following symptoms may he also be experiencing?

Answers:

Infrequent urination

Deep, rapid breathing

Lethargy

Increased salivation

Question 4

To diagnosis his condition, a blood osmolality test is ordered. An abnormally high result could point to all of the following conditions EXCEPT:

Answers:

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Stroke or head trauma

Dehydration

Oversecretion of ADH

Question 5

If Jeff has an acidic condition related to his diabetes, which of the following signs are likely to be present?

Answers:

Tachycardia and hypotension

Bradycardia and hypotension

Bradycardia and hypertension

Tachycardia and hypertension

Question 6

Briefly explain why Jeff has a feeling of extreme thirst.

Question 7

Metabolic acidosis results is low blood pH levels and high bicarbonate ion concentration.

Answers:

True

False

Question 8

If Jeff’s condition goes untreated, his body may begin to hyperventilate to compensate for the change in his blood pH levels.

Answers:

True

False

Question 9

Treatment for Jeff’s acidic condition may include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answers:

Fluid replacement

Insulin

Dietary water restriction

Sodium bicarbonate solution

Question 10

Kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and cerebral edema are all possible complications if Jeff’s condition is not treated.

Answers:

True

False

Question 11

Hiro is a 46-year-old male who has recently acquired severe food poisoning, which caused 72 hours of frequent vomiting and diarrhea. The third day after his symptoms began, Hiro experienced heart palpitations and confusion. He had trouble answering simple questions and felt disoriented. His care team was concerned about these new symptoms and decided to perform a urinalysis and several blood tests to determine the cause. These are Hiro’s results:

Blood Calcium Level: 4.6 mEq/L

Blood Sodium Level: 140 mEq/L

Blood Potassium Level: 2.9 mEq/L

Urine Specific Gravity: 1.020

Which of the following conditions is Hiro experiencing?

Answers:

Hyperkalemia

Hyponatremia

Hypercalcemia

Hypokalemia

Question 12

Briefly explain why Hiro’s food poisoning led to an electrolyte imbalance.

Question 13

In addition to what Hiro has already experienced, which of the following symptoms may be related to Hiro’s condition? (Select all that apply.)

Answers:

Tetany

Muscle weakness

Increased thirst

Increased bone density

Constipation

Question 14

In Hiro’s case, how is stomach acid related to the loss of potassium?!

Question 15

How is Hiro’s specific gravity level related to his level of hydration?

Question 16

Hiro’s electrolyte imbalance is caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Which of the following could also cause his condition? (Select all that apply.)

Answers:

Excessive laxative use

Diuretics

Excess aldosterone secretion

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Folic acid supplements

Question 17

Explain how Hiro’s kidneys will help return his potassium levels to normal.

Question 18

Most of the body’s potassium is found in the:

Answers:

Intracellular fluid

Extracellular fluid

Plasma

Interstitial fluid

Question 19

Why do potassium levels have such a strong effect on muscle function?

Answers:

Potassium is needed to repolarize the cell membrane between action potentials.

Potassium is an important building block for acetylcholine.

Potassium is a neurotransmitter that is used for muscle contraction.

Potassium is found within the T-tubules of each muscle cells.

Question 20

Which of the following treatments would be most appropriate for Hiro?

Answers:

Intravenous potassium supplementation

Calcium supplements

Avoiding avocados, citrus fruits, and leafy greens into the diet

Diuretics