BIOS 256 Week 5 Case Study

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Chamberlain University

BIOS-256: Anatomy & Physiology IV with Lab

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Date

BIOS 256 Week 5 Case Study: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid/Base Balance

Case Study Questions

Acid/Base Imbalance from Vomiting

Question: Acid/Base Imbalance from Vomiting
Answer:
When vomiting occurs repeatedly, the body loses significant amounts of gastric acid, particularly hydrochloric acid (HCl). This loss reduces hydrogen ion concentration, which in turn increases blood pH, leading to a state known as metabolic alkalosis. The reduction in acid not only disrupts the acid-base equilibrium but also impairs the body’s ability to properly buffer metabolic processes (Saladin, 2020).

Effect on Blood Chloride Level from Vomiting

Question: Effect on Blood Chloride Level from Vomiting
Answer:
Chronic vomiting depletes chloride ions because hydrochloric acid contains chloride. The absence of adequate chloride leads to hypochloremia, a condition where serum chloride concentration drops below normal. This imbalance disrupts osmotic regulation, acid-base stability, and neuromuscular function. If left untreated, hypochloremia can further exacerbate metabolic alkalosis (Saladin, 2020).

Definition of “Normal Saline”

Question: Definition of “Normal Saline”
Answer:
Normal saline is a sterile solution composed of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolved in water. It is classified as an isotonic solution because its osmolarity closely matches that of human plasma. Clinically, it is widely used to restore extracellular fluid volume, treat dehydration, and maintain electrolyte balance. Normal saline is also utilized as a diluent for medications and during intravenous therapy to support hemodynamic stability (Tonog & Lakhkar, 2021).

Signs of Dehydration (3 Examples)

Question: Signs of Dehydration (3 examples)
Answer:
Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake, which can follow persistent vomiting. Some of the commonly observed signs include:

Sign	Description
Dry mouth	Lack of adequate saliva production results in dryness and stickiness in the mouth.
Lethargy	Fatigue and reduced energy occur as the body struggles with fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Extreme thirst	An intense desire to drink fluids, signaling the body’s need to restore water balance.

Other possible symptoms may include dizziness, decreased urine output, and tachycardia (Shaheen et al., 2018).

Respiratory Compensation for Acid-Base Imbalance

Question: Respiratory Compensation for Acid-Base Imbalance
Answer:
The respiratory system plays a crucial role in compensating for acid-base disturbances. When metabolic alkalosis occurs due to vomiting, the body responds by altering ventilation patterns. The lungs retain carbon dioxide (CO₂) through hypoventilation, which increases carbonic acid levels and lowers pH back toward normal. Conversely, in metabolic acidosis, rapid breathing (hyperventilation) helps eliminate CO₂ and raise blood pH. This dynamic interaction between respiratory and renal mechanisms maintains homeostatic acid-base balance (Hopkins et al., 2021).

References

Hopkins, E., Sanvictores, T., & Sharma, S. (2021). Physiology, Acid Base Balance. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507807/

Saladin, K. S. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/books/9781260791563

BIOS 256 Week 5 Case Study

Shaheen, N. A., Alqahtani, A. A., Assiri, H., Alkhodair, R., & Hussein, M. A. (2018). Public knowledge of dehydration and fluid intake practices. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 1346. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6252-5

Tonog, P., & Lakhkar, A. D. (2021). Normal Saline. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545210/