Answers to Case Questions

 

1.  a.  Filter blood to remove waste products and help maintain substances necessary to the blood.
     b.  Help control blood pressure
     c.  Synthesize vitamin D

 

2.  Cells including RBC's and WBC's
     Bacteria
     Chemicals including glucose
     pH
     concentration

 

3.  Urine dipstick
     Microscopic exam

 

4.  A blood test that measures chemicals in the blood.

 

5.  Blood glucose

 

6.  Sodium.  Dehydration, heart or kidney abnormalities.
     Potassium.  Vomiting or diarrhea.  Increased in     kidney failure.
     Chloride.  Abnormal changes occur with changes in sodium level.
     Bicarbonate.  Changes with problems in acid/base balance. 

 

7.  Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine.

 

8.  Medical Laboratory Scientist

 

9.  pH (acidity), oxygen content, and carbon dioxide content of the blood.

 

10.  A physician orders an ABG to detect changes in the patient's acid-base balance in the blood.  This balance is critical.  The lungs and the kidneys regulate acid-base balance.  An ABG can therefore detect respiratory conditions or disease, kidney function (metabolic), and is also used to monitor oxygen therapy.

 

11.  Arterial.  Arterial blood is oxygenated blood.

 

12.  Respiratory therapist.

 

13.  Systolic:  Force on blood vessels from the pumping of the heart.
       Diastolic:  Lowest pressure on the blood vessels when the heart is relaxed.

 

14.  Heart disease, kidney disease, stroke.

 

15.  Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin.  Insulin is necessary for glucose to enter into the cells where it is utilized.  When the cells do not receive energy from carbohydrate breakdown, the body begins to break down fat as a secondary energy source.  Byproducts of fat breakdown are ketone bodies which lead to the blood being more acidic than the tissue.

 

16.  Symptoms include frequent urination and thirst, weight loss, increased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle stiffness, mental stupor, hyperventilation, fruity breath.

 

17.  Destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas by the body's own immune system.

 

18.  Insulin is released as the body's blood glucose (sugar) begins to rise.  The insulin facilitates the transport of the blood glucose into the cells.

 

19.  Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss.

 

20.  The body's cells are starving because they cannot get the glucose they need for energy.  Glucose levels rise in the bloodstream because it is not transported into the cells.  The kidneys flush extra water out, trying to get rid of the excess glucose.   This causes dehydration, excessive urination, and excessive thirst.  Because the cells cannot get the energy they need, the body breaks down fat stores for energy and weight loss occurs.

 

21.  Increased glucose levels in the blood and urine.  Ketone bodies are present in the urine in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

22.  A nurse educator specializes in nursing education.
Typically a nurse educator has a masters or doctorate degree. 

 

23.  An endocrinologist is a specially trained physician who treats patients with diseases that affect hormone-producing glands.

 

24.  Giving too much insulin for the amount of food eaten.

 

25.  Symptoms vary from individual to individual but may include anxiety, sweating, tremor, palpitations, nausea, and pallor headache, mild confusion, and abnormal behavior. Severe hypoglycemia may lead to seizure, unconsciousness, and coma.