Author Question: Which patient is most likely experiencing positive nitrogen balance? A patient admitted: a. With ... (Read 72 times)

jrubin · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which patient is most likely experiencing positive nitrogen balance? A patient admitted:

a. With third-degree burns of his legs
b. In the sixth month of a healthy pregnancy
c. From a nursing home who has been refusing to eat
d. With acute pancreatitis

Question 2

A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia and associated acidosis. The presence of which alternative fuel in the body is responsible for the acidosis?

a. Glycogen
b. Insulin
c. Ketones
d. Proteins

Edwyer · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
A positive nitrogen balance typically exists during pregnancy when new tissues are being formed. Patients with burns, malnutrition, and serious illness commonly experience negative nitrogen balance because tissues are lost.

Answer to Question 2

C
When fats are converted to ketones for use as alternative fuel, as in diabetic ketoacidosis when glucose cannot by used by the cells, the acidity of the blood rises, leading to the acidosis. Glycogen is converted to glucose to meet energy needs. Insulin, a pancreatic hormone, promotes the movement of glucose into cells for use. Proteins would not be used for fuel as long as fats were available.