The patient had diarrhea for 5 days and developed an acid-base imbalance. Which statement would indicate that the nurse's teaching about the acid-base imbalance has been effective?
A) "To prevent another problem, I should eat less sodium during diarrhea."
B) "My blood became too acid because I lost some base in the diarrhea fluid."
C) "Diarrhea removes fluid from the body, so I should drink more ice water."
D) "I should try to slow my breathing so my acids and bases will be balanced."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diarrhea causes metabolic acidosis through loss of bicarbonate, which is a base. Eating less sodium during diarrhea increases the risk of ECV deficit. Although diarrhea does remove fluid from the body, it also removes sodium and bicarbonate which need to be replaced. Rapid deep respirations are the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis and should be encouraged rather than stopped.

The Patient Had Diarrhea for 5 Days and Developed an Acid-Base