Question

a nurse is providing care for several clients on an acute medicine unit. which client should the nurse recognize as being at the highest risk for metabolic alkalosis? a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (aids) who has developed tuberculosis and is receiving antibiotics a client on continuous nasogastric suction and whose hypertension is being treated with diuretics a client in alcohol withdrawal who is being treated with intravenous anticonvulsants a postoperative client who developed sepsis after the dehiscence of an abdominal wound

Answer 1

The client on continuous nasogastric suction and whose hypertension is being treated with diuretics is at the highest risk for metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and increased bicarbonate levels in the blood. This condition can occur when there is excessive loss of acid or an increase in bicarbonate levels. In this case, continuous nasogastric suction can lead to the loss of gastric acid, while the use of diuretics can result in the loss of chloride ions. These factors can contribute to a relative increase in bicarbonate levels, leading to metabolic alkalosis.