NurseHay
Case Study submitted to dropbox/ this will be turned in to Turnitin.com
You will complete a short case study for this module. Read the case study and answer all the questions
that follow.
Case Study
LS is brought to the emergency department for management of acute acetaminophen poisoning. Her
respirations are slow and shallow, and she is nonresponsive. She is admitted to the critical care unit to be
closely monitored for the development of respiratory failure and renal failure, which often accompany
acetaminophen poisoning. Her urine output is decreased to about 20 mL/hr. Her laboratory values are
serum K+ = 5.7 mEq/L; arterial blood gases (ABGs): pH = 7.13, PaCO2 = 56 mm Hg, PaO2 = 89 mm Hg, and
HCO3- = 18 mEq/L.
Answer the following questions about LS’s situation.
- What is the most likely cause of LS’s potassium imbalance? Explain the role of the kidney in potassium
excretion.
- What is the relationship between acid-base balance and serum potassium level?
- What is the reason for LS’s low urine output? How should her fluids be managed?
- Categorize and explain the probable cause of LS’s acid-base disorder.
- Can LS compensate for her acid-base disorder? Why or why not?
- How should her acid-base imbalance be medically managed?