Final answer:
Prolonged nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and an increase in blood urea levels due to hemoconcentration. Additionally, electrolyte imbalances, specifically a loss of chloride ions, may occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient experiences prolonged nausea and vomiting (N/V) as well as diarrhea, certain lab values are likely to increase. One of the main changes observed is an increase in blood urea levels. This occurs because these conditions often lead to dehydration, which reduces blood volume and causes hemoconcentration. The elevated blood urea levels can be further exacerbated by a reduction in blood pressure and a lowered glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
In cases of severe diarrhea, particularly chronic cases, a patient may also suffer from electrolyte imbalances, such as a loss of chloride ions (Cl-), which is associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte depletion, affecting heart rate and blood pressure.
Ultimately, the clinical focus should be on managing dehydration to restore normal fluid volume and correct electrolyte imbalances while treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Careful monitoring of lab values such as electrolyte panels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can help guide effective treatment strategies.