James Kelly, an 83-year-old patient, complains that he has been vomiting and had diarrhea for several days. He has a low-grade fever and seems to be sweating. What disorder should these symptoms lead you to consider first?
a. Excess fluid buildup in the body
b. Electrolyte imbalance
c. Diabetes mellitus
d. Edema
B
Vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive perspiration all lead to a loss of fluid and electrolytes in the body. This loss can result in changes in the balance of electrolytes in the body. Because electrolytes function in many diverse body systems, it is essential that they be kept in balance; if they are not, serious complications may result. Responses A and D, which refer to the same thing, would not result from the loss of fluid in vomiting and diarrhea. Response C, diabetes mellitus, would not be the first disorder you would think of when presented with the symptoms mentioned.
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