A 52-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband because of weakness, abdominal pain, and a productive cough for 4 days. She also reports increased urination for the past 2 days. This morning, she had nausea and five episodes of vomiting. She has type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Current medications include insulin and lisinopril. She admits to have forgotten to take her medication in the last few days. Her temperature is 38.4°C (101.1°F), pulse is 134/min, respirations 31/min, and blood pressure is 95/61 mm Hg. Examination shows dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor. Abdominal examination shows diffuse tenderness with no guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are normal. Laboratory studies show: Serum Na+ 139 mEq/L K+ 5.3 mEq/L Cl- 106 mEq/L Glucose 420 mg/dL Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL Urine Blood negative Glucose 4+ Ketones 3+ Arterial blood gas analysis on room air shows: pH 7.12 pCO2 17 mm Hg pO2 86 mm Hg HCO3- 12 mEq/L Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's increased potassium?
AMuscle cell breakdown
BExtracellular potassium shift
CRepeated vomiting
DIncreased renal potassium absorption
EIntracellular potassium shift
A 47-year-old man with a history of alcoholism undergoes an upper endoscopy, which reveals a superficial mucosal tear in the distal esophagus. Laboratory results show a metabolic alkalosis. What is the most likely mechanism of the acid/base disturbance in this patient?
AHepatic cirrhosis
BHypokalemia
CB12 deficiency
DAnemia
EVomiting
A 24-year-old male is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department after he was found unresponsive at home for an unknown length of time. Upon arrival, he is found to be severely altered and unable to answer questions about his medical history. Based on clinical suspicion, a panel of basic blood tests are obtained including an arterial blood gas, which shows a pH of 7.32, a pCO2 of 70, and a bicarbonate level of 30 mEq/L. Which of the following is most likely the primary disturbance leading to the values found in the ABG?
ARespiratory acidosis
BMetabolic alkalosis
CRespiratory alkalosis
DMetabolic acidosis
EMixed alkalosis
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