Question

Question 1 How does a history of laxative and diuretic abuse in the setting of an eating disorder cause metabolic acidosis? Question 2 How do electrolyte and renal dysfunction cause changes in cognition and mental status? Question 3 Normal hematocrit is 3 times the hemoglobin. Why is the hematocrit elevated? (ANSWER ALL!)

Answer 1

1) The history of laxatives and diuretics can have negative impact on their body and develop eating disorder. It can affect all organs in the system. Hypokalemia occurs due to induced vomiting in the presence of low chloride and elevated bicarbonate.The abuse of diuretics can cause hypokalemia and alkalosis. Moreover, the laxative abuse can cause hypokalemia results in metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

2) The renal dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance can affect the central nervous system which results in altered mental status and can be divided into chronic or acute condition.The uremic toxins contribute to the CNS injury.It can have indirect effects results in inflammation,endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.When body fluid imbalance occurs,leads to dehydration results in collapse of patient affects cognition and mental status of patient.

3)The hematocrit is a RBC count, which is elevated due to dehydration. With the adequate fluid intake the hematocrit returns normal.