Question

Explain one mechanism that can lead to increased capillary hydrostatic pressure and subsequently edema. Lab values: Na 138, K 5.5, Cl 105, Glucose 575 pH 7.25, CO2 30, HCO3 8.0 2. List 3 differential diagnoses and include your reasoning behind each. 3. What is the best diagnosis? Explain how you came to this conclusion. 4. What other findings may be present with this patient?

Answer 1

Answer:

Based on the given data:

Lab values:

• Na 138
• K 5.5
• Cl 105
• Glucose 575
• pH 7.25
• CO₂ 30
• HCO₃ 8.0

One mechanism that can lead to increased capillary hydrostatic pressure and subsequently edema: Several medical conditions such as right or left ventricular failure, venous obstruction, electrolyte imbalance etc. can cause increased capillary hydrostatic pressure.

3 differential diagnosis:

• Serum creatinine to test renal insufficiency
• serum albumin: plasma oncotic pressure.
• urinalysis: proteinuria
• electrocardiogram

Best diagnosis: electrocardiogram provides detailed information and confirmatory evidence.

Lab values:

• Na 138 mEq/L - Normal
• K 5.5 mmol/L - Slightly high
• Cl 105 mmol/L - N ormal
• Glucose 575 mg/dl- Very high
• pH 7.25
• CO₂ 30 mEq/L
• HCO₃ 8.0 mEq/L - Low