Initially. Mr. K.B. lost water, sodium in the mucus content, and hydrogen and ch
ID: 90817 • Letter: I
Question
Initially. Mr. K.B. lost water, sodium in the mucus content, and hydrogen and chloride ions in the hydrochloric acid portion of the gastric secretions. Alkalosis develops for two reasons, the first being the direct loss of hydrogen ions and the second being the effects of chloride ion loss. When chloride ion is lost in the gastric secretions, it is replaced by chloride from the serum (see Fig. 2-9). To maintain equal numbers of cations and anions in the serum, chloride ion and bicarbonate ion can exchange places when needed. Therefore more bicarbonate ions shift into the serum from storage sites in the erythrocytes to replace the lost chloride ions. More bicarbonate ions in the serum raise serum pH, and the result is "hypochloremic alkalosis." Which compartments are likely to be affected in this case by early fluid loss? Explain how a loss of sodium ions contributes to dehydration. Describe the early signs of dehydration in Mr. K.B.Explanation / Answer
1.An individual becomes dehydrated due to inadequate intake or excessive loss of fluids or a combination of both. Water shifts within the extracellular compartments. As Mr. K.B lost water initially, loss of fluids occurs and effects extracellular components first. The loss of sodium in the mucus content, and hydrogen and chloride ions in the hydrochloric acid portion of the gastric secretions indicate fluid loss is accompanied by loss of electrolytes. This type of dehydration influences movement of water between extracellular and intracellular compartments , thus causing signs of electrolyte imbalance.
2. When water shifts from one compartment to other compartment, changes in the normal concentration of sodium ions results. If excess of water is moved into the extracellular compartment , dilution of sodium takes place and results in sodium deficit. If there is rapid loss of water from the body than the loss of sodium , concentration of sodium ions increases and results in sodium excess.In this way loss of sodium ions contributes to dehydration.
3. The early signs of dehydration in Mr. K.B. include thirst, dry mouth, decreased skin turgor, decreased urine output, low blood pressure.