Consequences of fluid loss from the GI tract

Question 1

An adult patient is experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhoea as a result of food poisoning. What is the most likely consequence for the patient if the vomiting is protracted?

Answer 1

Metabolic alkalosis

Question 2

Which of the following best describes how ADH mediates its water regulating properties?

Answer 2

It stimulates the conservation of water by inserting aquaporin-2 into the collecting duct of kidneys which improves the permeability of the collecting ducts to water.

Question 3

Hypovolaemia can cause the triggering of physiological consequences which aims to return the body to a normal physiological state. The diagram below is a basic illustration of the physiological consequences of hypovolaemia caused by reduced plasma volume and increased plasma potassium levels. Using the information already provided in the diagram, fill in the missing information represented by letters A to E. What is the end result of this system of physiological control?

Answer 3

A: ↑ aldosterone secretion
B: ↑ sodium reabsorption
C: ↑ potassium secretion
D: ↓ sodium excretion → so it increases sodium retention which increases blood volume and ↑ BP
E: ↑ potassium excretion
The end result of the physiological control:

Overall, the hypovolaemia is corrected.

And here is how: The blood volume is increased and the potassium level of the blood is also reduced. Note that these are the two events that triggered the hypovolaemia; the corrective mechanisms that were executed via aldosterone secretion are to return the system to a level whereby the reverse of ↓ plasma volume and ↑ plasma potassium are achieved. Please review the correct answers to confirm this.

Question 4

Based on the diagram above, which mediator increases the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex?

Answer 4

Angiotensin II

Question 5

List 2 consequences of fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and also two consequences of hypovolaemia.

Answer 5

Consequences of fluid loss from the GI tract:

Dehydration
Ionic imbalances
Hypovolaemia
Increased mortality
Please note that the consequences of hypovolaemia are particularly serious and may include:

Decreased venous return
Multi-organ failure
Acidosis and myocardial dysfunction → multi-organ failure