Respiratory rate can compensate for an acid-base imbalance.

  1. Understanding that HCl is produced in the stomach and that he has been vomiting his stomach contents, predict the acid/base imbalance that repeated vomiting will cause.
  2. Predict the effect on blood chloride level from repeated vomiting.
  3. "Normal saline" is often used to treat dehydration. What does it mean for the saline to be "normal"?
  4. Research to discover signs or symptoms of dehydration. List 3.
  5. Explain how an alteration in respiratory rate can compensate for an acid-base imbalance.

Full Answer Section

 
  • Normal saline: Normal saline is a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water. It is often used to treat dehydration because it is isotonic, meaning that it has the same concentration of electrolytes as blood. This helps to prevent the body from becoming too diluted or too concentrated. Normal saline is also used to flush wounds and to irrigate the bladder.
  • Signs or symptoms of dehydration: The signs and symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on the severity of the dehydration. Mild dehydration may cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue. More severe dehydration can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and confusion. In some cases, dehydration can be life-threatening.
Here are 3 signs or symptoms of dehydration:
  1. Thirst: This is the most common sign of dehydration. When you are dehydrated, your body will try to conserve water by making you feel thirsty.
  2. Dry mouth: This is another common sign of dehydration. When your mouth is dry, it can be difficult to swallow and speak.
  3. Dark urine: When you are dehydrated, your urine will become darker. This is because your kidneys are trying to conserve water by concentrating the urine.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to drink fluids and seek medical attention if necessary.

Sample Answer

 
  • Acid/base imbalance from repeated vomiting: Repeated vomiting can cause metabolic alkalosis. This is because hydrochloric acid (HCl) is produced in the stomach and helps to maintain the acidity of the blood. When a person vomits, they are losing HCl, which can lead to an increase in blood pH. This can cause symptoms such as headache, weakness, and confusion.
  • Effect on blood chloride level from repeated vomiting: Repeated vomiting can also cause hypochloremia, which is a low level of chloride in the blood. Chloride is an important electrolyte that helps to balance the fluids in the body. When a person vomits, they are losing chloride along with other fluids. This can lead to a decrease in blood chloride level and can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and confusion.