Question

Your patient admitted for small bowel obstruction has been vomiting for the last 3 days. What electrolyte imbalance would you expect to be associated with this patient?

Answer 1

Prolonged vomiting associated with small bowel obstruction can lead to metabolic alkalosis. This condition is characterized by a disruption of electrolyte balance, with elevated bicarbonate levels and low chloride levels in the blood. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and restoring electrolyte balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient with small bowel obstruction experiences prolonged vomiting, the associated electrolyte imbalance is metabolic alkalosis. Prolonged vomiting results in the loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. This loss disrupts the balance of electrolytes in the body, leading to metabolic alkalosis. In this condition, the blood pH increases and bicarbonate levels rise.

The excessive loss of gastric juice due to vomiting can cause a loss of chloride ions. In addition, the loss of hydrogen ions from the stomach acid disrupts the acid-base balance and contributes to alkalosis. This electrolyte imbalance can be identified through blood tests that reveal elevated bicarbonate levels and low chloride levels.

Treatment for metabolic alkalosis associated with small bowel obstruction-induced vomiting involves addressing the underlying cause and restoring electrolyte balance. This may include rehydration with intravenous fluids and correcting any underlying gastrointestinal obstruction.