Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Homeostasis:
Ms. Brown is a 70-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been too ill to get out of bed for 2 days. She has had a severe cough and has been unable to eat or drink during this time. On admission, her laboratory values show the following:

• Serum glucose 412 mg/dL
• Serum sodium (Na+) 156 mEq/L
• Serum potassium (K+) 5.6 mEq/L
• Serum chloride (Cl–) 115 mEq/L
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs): pH 7.30; PaCO2 32 mmHg; PaO2 70 mmHg; HCO3– 20 mEq/L

Case Study Questions

1. Based on Ms. Brown admission’s laboratory values, could you determine what type of water and electrolyte imbalance does she has?
2. Describe the signs and symptoms to the different types of water imbalance and described clinical manifestation she might exhibit with the potassium level she has.
3. In the specific case presented which would be the most appropriate treatment for Ms. Brown and why?
4. What the ABGs from Ms. Brown indicate regarding her acid-base imbalance?
5. Based on your readings and your research define and describe Anion Gaps and its clinical significance.

Submission Instructions:

• You must complete both case studies
• Your initial post should be at least 500 words per case study, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Grading Rubric 

Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric.

Discussion RubricCriteriaRatingsPoints

Identification of Main Issues, Problems, and Concepts

Distinguished – 5 points
Identifies and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the issues, problems, and concepts.

Excellent – 4 points
Identifies and demonstrates an accomplished understanding of most issues, problems, and concepts.

Fair – 1-3 points
Identifies and demonstrates an acceptable understanding of most issues, problems, and concepts.

Poor – 0 points
Identifies and demonstrates an unacceptable understanding of most issues, problems, and concepts. Or nothing was posted.

5 points

Use of Citations, Writing Mechanics, and APA Formatting Guidelines

Distinguished – 3 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Exceptional use of citations and extended referencing. High level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors.

Excellent – 2 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. Moderate level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors.

Fair – 1 point
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need more precision and attention to detail.

Poor – 0 points
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Unacceptable use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need serious attention. Or nothing was posted.

3 pointsResponse to Posts of Peers

Distinguished – 2 points
Student constructively responded to two other posts and either extended, expanded, or provided a rebuttal to each.

Fair – 1 point
Student constructively responded to one other post and either extended, expanded, or provided a rebuttal.

Poor – 0 points
Student provided no response to a peer's post.