A 34-year-old woman comes to the office due to a 3-day history of watery diarrhea. The patient has no fever. She has no other medical conditions and takes no medications. Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg and pulse is 90/min. Examination shows mild abdominal discomfort but is otherwise normal. Compared to normal laboratory values, which of the following findings are most likely present in this patient?

Question

A 34-year-old woman comes to the office due to a 3-day history of watery diarrhea.  The patient has no fever.  She has no other medical conditions and takes no medications.  Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg and pulse is 90/min.  Examination shows mild abdominal discomfort but is otherwise normal.  Compared to normal laboratory values, which of the following findings are most likely present in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Severe diarrhea causes substantial loss of bicarbonate (HCO₃-) in the stool and is a common cause of nonanion gap metabolic acidosis. Low blood pH (<7.35) and low serum HCO₃- (<24 mEq/L) are expected with compensatory low arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) (compensatory respiratory alkalosis).

A 34-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Office Due to a 3-Day