Problem
I. DW is a 60-yr old male patient who has been taking prednisolone 60mg daily due to complications related to chemotherapy. He was admitted to the med-surg unit with the following lab results:
Serum glucose level: 534, ABG: pH 7.33, PaCO2 37, HCO3- 20.
Taking into consideration all 4 results, what disorder to you think this patient is presenting with? (disorder, not acid-base imbalance)
II. An 80 yr-old female patient was admitted to the medical-surgical unit due to a bowel obstruction. A nasogastric tube was inserted and she was placed on low intermittent suctioning for 3 days. Her heart rate is 92. She exhibits weakness and hyper-reflexia.
Lab results: Na+ 145; K+ 2.2, ABG: pH 7.58, PaCO2 49, HCO3- 33
Based on the information available, determine the potential acid base imbalance AND electrolyte imbalance diagnosis: Explain 3. How nasogastric suctioning can contribute to this metabolic Alkalosis.