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Question

Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

A client is receiving low continuous nasogastric suction for a small bowel obstruction. The nurse should monitor the client for which primary acid-base imbalance resulting from this therapy?

  1. Metabolic alkalosisAnswer
  2. B
    Metabolic acidosis
  3. C
    Respiratory alkalosis
  4. D
    Respiratory acidosis

Answer

Metabolic alkalosis
The correct answer identifies that gastric secretions are highly acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid. When these secretions are continuously extracted from the body via nasogastric suction, there is a significant depletion of hydrogen ions. This net loss of acid causes an increase in the blood pH and a relative excess of bicarbonate, directly resulting in metabolic alkalosis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the physiological effect of the prescribed therapy.
Nasogastric suction continuously removes gastric contents from the client's stomach.
Understanding what is physically being removed from the body is required to identify the resulting imbalance.
2
Determine the composition of the fluid being lost.
Gastric secretions contain a high concentration of hydrochloric acid.
Knowing that acid is being depleted explains the subsequent shift in blood pH.
3
Correlate the specific fluid loss with the corresponding acid-base imbalance.
The continuous loss of acid leaves a relative excess of bicarbonate in the bloodstream, raising the pH.
A primary loss of acid from the upper gastrointestinal tract directly leads to a metabolic alkalotic state.

Key Concept

Acid-Base Imbalances related to Gastrointestinal Fluid Loss
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Topics

Physiological Adaptation

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