Question

All of the following are accurate possible findings in the patient above (cancer, cant eat, lost 80 lbs, generalized edema, serum protein levels low) EXCEPT that

a. he has confusion due swollen brain cells.
b. he has crackles in his lungs from fluid in the alveoli (lung tissue).
c. his serum osmolality is 302 (norm = 280- 295).
d. he will need a hypertonic IV solution to return fluid status to normal.

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms suggest severe hypo-osmolarity and edema, which can cause widespread fluid accumulation and brain swelling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accurate possible findings in the patient above (cancer, can't eat, lost 80 lbs, generalized edema, serum protein levels low) suggest that he has a. confusion due to swollen brain cells, b. crackles in his lungs from fluid in the alveoli (lung tissue), and d. he will need a hypertonic IV solution to return fluid status to normal. These findings indicate severe hypo-osmolarity and edema, which can cause lysis of blood cells, widespread fluid accumulation, and brain swelling.