Sodium and water accumulation in an injured cell are a direct result of:

Choice A: Metabolic Acid Deficit (Metabolic Alkalosis)

Vomiting or continuous nasogastric suctioning leads to the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl)1. This loss results in a decrease in the body’s acid levels, leading to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis2. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and light-headedness.

Choice B: Carbonic Acid Excess (Respiratory Acidosis)

Carbonic acid excess, or respiratory acidosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH3. This condition is typically caused by respiratory issues such as hypoventilation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe asthma. It is not directly related to vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.

Choice C: Metabolic Acid Excess (Metabolic Acidosis)

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes include renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe diarrhea. Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which result in the loss of gastric acid, do not lead to metabolic acidosis but rather to metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D: Carbonic Acid Deficit (Respiratory Alkalosis)

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude. It is not related to the loss of gastric contents through vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.

Choice A Reason:

Primary prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and vaccinations. Mammograms, however, are not used to prevent breast cancer from occurring but to detect it early.

Choice B Reason:

Secondary prevention aims to detect and address a disease early in its course to prevent progression. Mammograms are a classic example of secondary prevention because they are used to screen for breast cancer in women who do not yet show symptoms2. Early detection through mammograms can lead to earlier treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates.

Choice C Reason:

Disease treatment refers to the direct management of a diagnosed condition. For breast cancer, this could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical interventions. Mammograms are not a treatment but a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of cancer.

Choice D Reason:

Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the complications of an existing disease to prevent further deterioration. For breast cancer, this might involve rehabilitation, ongoing treatment to prevent recurrence, and palliative care. Mammograms are used for early detection, not for managing complications of already diagnosed cancer.