Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion?
Sodium (Na+)
Calcium (Ca2+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Phosphates (PO4^3^-)
Potassium (K+)
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Sodium (Na+) imbalance can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma, but not abdominal pain or urinary retention.
Choice B reason: Calcium (Ca2+) imbalance can cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion, as well as muscle weakness, bone pain, and cardiac arrhythmias. These signs are the result of an inadequate supply of calcium, which is essential for nerve and muscle function, as well as bone health.
Choice C reason: Chloride (Cl-) imbalance can cause acid-base disorders such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
Choice D reason: Phosphates (PO4^3^-) imbalance can cause bone and muscle problems, such as rickets, osteomalacia, or tetany, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
Choice E reason: Potassium (K+) imbalance can cause cardiac and neuromuscular symptoms, such as arrhythmias, palpitations, muscle weakness, or paralysis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not cause hyperventilation, but rather dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea does not cause a loss of acids or an excess of bases, but rather a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood.
Choice C reason: This is correct because metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea causes a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood. This leads to an accumulation of acids and a decrease in pH.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not affect the respiratory system directly, but rather the metabolic system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Producing phosphate buffers is not the main function of the kidneys in response to acid-base disturbances. Phosphate buffers are mainly found in the intracellular fluid and the urine, where they help to maintain the pH by binding or releasing hydrogen ions.
Choice B reason: Adjusting PaCO2 levels is not the function of the kidneys, but rather the function of the lungs in response to acid-base disturbances. The lungs regulate the PaCO2 levels by increasing or decreasing the rate and depth of respiration, which affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.
Choice C reason: Producing protein buffers is not the function of the kidneys, but rather the function of the cells and the plasma in response to acid-base disturbances. Protein buffers are the most abundant and versatile buffers in the body, as they can act as acids or bases by donating or accepting hydrogen ions.
Choice D reason: Excreting or reabsorbing hydrogen or bicarbonate is the main function of the kidneys in response to acid-base disturbances. The kidneys regulate the HCO3- levels by either reabsorbing it from the filtrate or generating it from carbon dioxide and water. The kidneys also regulate the hydrogen ion levels by either excreting it into the urine or exchanging it for sodium ions.
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