Question

Case Study: A 36-year-old client was admitted with gastroenteritis. He has been vomiting and having severe diarrhea for 2 days. He is very weak. The current laboratory results are Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 2.8 mEq/L, Cl− 90 mEq/L. The physician orders IV of 0.9% normal saline solution at 100 mL/hr, NPO, and I & O. Define these terms:

1. Third space syndrome ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Edema ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Pitting edema __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ From the case study, identify the abnormal laboratory results. List the major clinical signs or symptoms that you would assess with each abnormal value: Abnormal Lab Results Major Clinical Signs or Symptoms

Answer 1

1. Third space occurs when too much fluid moves from the intravascular space to interstitial space or third space - the non functional area between cells. This cause potentially serious problems such as edema ,reduced cardiac output, and hypotension.

2. Edema is defined medically as swelling from fluid accumulation the body tissues due in certain areas of the body.

3. .when a swollen part of the body has a dimple or pit after you press it for few seconds ,its called as pitting edema..  

Normal electrolyte lab values are

Sodium. 136-146mEq/L

chloride. 96-106 mmol/L

Potassium. 3.5 - 4.5mEq/L

According to the normal value this electrolytes are lower in this case given. So there is elyrolyte imbalance.

Common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance is

• Irregular heart beat
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Convulsions or seizure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle cramps
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Headache

****""Hypokalemia--- low potassium level or pottasim level is less than 3mEq/L****"

Severe hypokalemia causes cardiac conduction abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle weaknesses, renal abnormalities, increased ammonia production. Increased bicarbonate reabsorption, and elevated blood pressure.

****Hyponatremia---- low sodium level or sodium less than 136mEq/L.

Low sodium level causes dizziness, headache, fatigue, insufficient urine output, mental confusion, vomiting, ,irritability, spams, seizures Also coma.

*****Hypochloremia --- chloride bless than 96mEq/L or low level of chloride.****

It causes. fluid loss, dehydration, weakness OE fatigue, difficulty breathing,diarrhea or vomiting..

Electrolytes is very important factor in our body. Maintain this in a normal limits is essential.it can be corrected by intravenous fluids or electrolyte replacement. Minor imbalance can corrected by proper diet.