Salt and water case study part 1 PDF

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Summary

A case study to test your knowledge of the human renal and urinary systems and what could go wrong. Here's a patient with a presented problem, related labs, and some thought-provoking questions to get you thinking like a doctor. This case comes in three parts to provide enough information to correct...

Description

A seven year old boy was admitted to the emergency room with profound muscle weakness and a history of polyuria, enuresis, and polydipsia. The mother reported that the child had a predilection for salty foods since the age of four. Laboratory data:

Na+ ClK+ HCO3-

1st admission (mEq/L)

Normal values (mEq/L)

132 85 1.5 36.5

135-145 92-110 3.5-5.0 22-28

What are your initial thoughts on his electrolyte and acid-base status? Patient is in metabolic alkalosis and has low electrolyte levels. Possible diabetes insipidus? Diabetic ketoacidosis? Polydipsia possibly caused by increased salt intake, which prompts thirst. Electrolyte levels low because he’s diluting them with excessive water intake. Potassium levels decreasing in the plasma hyperpolarizes cells....