Alterations in Endocrine Function
Ms. Blake is an older adult with diabetes and has been too ill to get out of bed for 2 days. She has had a severe cough and has been unable to eat or drink during this time. She has a history of Type I diabetes. On admission her laboratory values show:
Sodium (Na+)
156 mEq/L
Potassium (K+)
4.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl–)
115 mEq/L
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
pH- 7.30; Pco2-40; Po2-70; HCO3-20
Normal values
Sodium (Na+)
136-146 mEq/L
Potassium (K+)
3.5-5.1 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl–)
98-106 mEq/L
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
pH- 7.35-7.45
Pco2- 35-45 mmHg
Po2-80-100 mmHg
HCO3–22-28 mEq/L
List three (3) reasons on why she may have become bed ridden?
Based on these reasons what tests would you order?
Describe the molecular mechanism of the development of ketoacidosis.
