Chat with AIExam 21: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Some diuretics cause the body to excrete large amounts of potassium.If a person is taking such a diuretic,what symptoms of potassium deficiency might the doctor look for?
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Answered by Examlex AI CopilotIf a person is taking a diuretic that causes the body to excrete large amounts of potassium, a condition known as hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood) may develop. A doctor would look for various symptoms and signs that can indicate potassium deficiency, including:
1. Muscle Weakness and Cramps: Potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function, and low levels can lead to feelings of weakness, cramps, and even muscle paralysis in severe cases.
2. Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness and low energy can be a symptom of hypokalemia.
3. Digestive Problems: Potassium affects the digestive system, and a deficiency can lead to issues such as constipation and bloating.
4. Heart Palpitations: Potassium is essential for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. A deficiency can cause palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or a feeling that the heart is skipping beats.
5. Respiratory Issues: Severe potassium deficiency can affect the muscles involved in breathing, potentially leading to respiratory distress.
6. Mood Changes: Low potassium levels can affect mental function and may contribute to feelings of depression or confusion.
7. Numbness and Tingling: Altered sensations, such as numbness or tingling in the extremities, can be a sign of hypokalemia.
8. Increased Urination: A drop in potassium levels can sometimes lead to an increase in urine production.
9. Blood Pressure Changes: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and a deficiency might contribute to fluctuations in blood pressure.
To confirm a diagnosis of hypokalemia, the doctor would likely order a blood test to measure the potassium levels. If potassium deficiency is detected, the doctor may recommend dietary changes, potassium supplements, or modifications to the diuretic therapy to help restore normal potassium levels. It's important for individuals taking potassium-depleting diuretics to have regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor their electrolyte levels and prevent complications.
Would a drop in capillary blood pressure or an increase in capillary blood pressure be more likely to cause edema? Explain your answer.
(43) Answered by Examlex AI CopilotAn increase in capillary blood pressure would be more likely to cause edema. This is because an increase in capillary blood pressure can force too much fluid out of the capillaries and into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling and edema. On the other hand, a drop in capillary blood pressure would reduce the force pushing fluid out of the capillaries and into the tissues, making it less likely to cause edema. Therefore, an increase in capillary blood pressure is more likely to result in edema.
Both aldosterone and ADH reduce the amount of urine produced.
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Define and give an example of an electrolyte and a non-electrolyte.
The hormone ANH is produced by the heart and acts to increase the amount of urine produced.
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(30) The positively charged ion with the greatest concentration in the blood is
(30) List the normal concentrations of sodium,potassium,and calcium in the blood.
(38) Because they have the smallest amount of water in their body,babies are most at risk for severe dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea than any other age-group.
(29) Which of the following is not considered part of the extracellular fluid?
(29) To maintain proper homeostasis,all body fluids must have the same level and types of electrolytes.
(36) The kidneys,the lungs,and the catabolism of food all contribute to water loss in the body.
(33) Through diet and exercise,Jane lost more than 50 pounds.This means she also reduced her percentage of body water.
(26) Which group of people has the lowest percentage of body water?
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Match each term or phrase with its corresponding description or definition.
-condition caused by a lower-than-normal blood concentration of potassium
(33) MATCHING
Match each term or phrase with its corresponding description or definition.
-substance that dissociates into ions when it dissolves in water
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