Question

Which of the following metabolic complications is most likely to occur in patients with short bowel syndrome with small bowel bacterial overgrowth?

1: Metabolic acidosis
2: Respiratoryalkalosis
3: Metabolic alkalosis
4: Respiratory acidosis

Answer 1

Patients with short bowel syndrome and small bowel bacterial overgrowth are likely to experience metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by a primary bicarbonate deficiency leading to an acidic blood pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with short bowel syndrome and small bowel bacterial overgrowth are most likely to experience metabolic acidosis as a metabolic complication. This condition occurs due to a primary bicarbonate deficiency, where the blood becomes too acidic (pH below 7.35) because of insufficient bicarbonate. Short bowel syndrome can lead to excessive loss of bicarbonate through the gastrointestinal tract, further exacerbating metabolic acidosis. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth also contributes to the production of metabolic by-products that can increase acidity. It's essential for patients with this condition to be monitored and treated for potential metabolic complications.