An 86-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease was admitted to the hospital with dehydration. Her daughter states that her mother has been very confused and combative lately. Explain why the patient likely developed dehydration
What will be an ideal response
One of the simplest mechanisms for maintaining fluid balance is the thirst mechanism. Normally, when a person is thirsty, he or she drinks because the thirst center in the hypothalamus is stimulated. In this patient's confused and combative state, she is probably refusing or forgetting to eat or drink, thereby developing dehydration.
You might also like to view...
A centrifuged sample of blood shows 53% plasma, 1% buffy coat, and 46% erythrocytes. What percent of the blood is the hematocrit?
A) 53% B) 47% C) 46% D) 1%
All of the following are accurate about H+ concentration and pH except:
a. acids contain more H+ than water. b. H+ concentration and pH are inversely related. c. neutralizing an acidic solution requires that base is added. d. a pH of 6 is basic or alkaline.
There are two gonadotropic hormones: ______________.
A) testosterone and estrogen B) FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) C) ICSH (interstitial cell-stimulating hormone) and ECSH (extrastitial cell-stimulating hormone) D) GnRH and anti-GnRH
Which of the following is NOT a location where cerebrospinal fluid is found?
A. Brain ventricles B. Subarachnoid space C. Central canal of the spinal cord D. Subdural space