A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to a medical-surgical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis; a nasogastric tube was inserted upon admission and has been on low intermittent suction since then
The nurse taking care of the patient notices that his potassium is very low and becomes concerned that the patient may be at risk for:
A) Hypercalcemia
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Metabolic alkalosis
D) Respiratory acidosis
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. Option A is incorrect; this patient would not be at risk for hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism and cancer account for almost all cases of hypercalcemia. Option B is incorrect; the nasogastric tube is removing stomach acid and will likely raise pH. Option D is incorrect; respiratory acidosis is unlikely. There was no change reported in the patient's respiratory status.
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