You are caring for a 65-year-old male patient admitted to your medical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis. A nasogastric tube placed upon admission has been on low intermittent suction ever since

Question

Upon review of the morning's blood work, you notice that the patient's potassium is below reference range. You should recognize that the patient may be at risk for what imbalance?
A) Hypercalcemia
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Metabolic alkalosis
D) Respiratory acidosis

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Probably the most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. The disorder also occurs in pyloric stenosis in which only gastric fluid is lost. Vomiting, gastric suction, and pyloric stenosis all remove potassium and can cause hypokalemia. This patient would not be at risk for hypercalcemia; hyperparathyroidism and cancer account for almost all cases of hypercalcemia. The nasogastric tube is removing stomach acid and will likely raise pH. Respiratory acidosis is unlikely since no change was reported in the patient's respiratory status.