A 76yo male was admitted to the ER at 2AM with confusion, muscle spasms, and feeling faint. He explains he was diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) five months ago. His physician suggested he take antacids to relieve the signs and symptoms of heart burn. Later that evening, he was taking antacids after eating a tomato-based pasta. He later explains that he may have taken 3-4 antacids per hour since his 6PM meal. The doctor chooses to run arterial blood gas (ABG) levels.
Answer the following questions in your initial post:
What may be the findings of the ABG levels?
Why would you expect this?
Why was he originally taking antacids? What are the functions of antacids? What happened with the overuse?
How would you explain to this patient what has happened and what can he do to move forward to prevent this event from returning?
A 76yo male was admitted to the ER at 2AM with confusion, muscle spasms, and fee
June 19, 2024