A 70-year-old woman was brought to an urgent care facility complaining, "I am weak and have been running off my bowels for 3 weeks." The onsite clinical laboratory provided the following electrolyte values: Sodium = 142mEq/L Potassium = 2.1mEq/L Chloride = 94mEq/L Carbon dioxide = 30mEq/L What electrolyte levels are abnormal? Is there a medical emergency? If so, what is it, and what should be done?

The level of Potassium and Chloride are abnormal. They are low.

"Yes" it is an emergency.

Explanation:

Since the Potassium and Chloride levels are abnormal. They are lower than they should be, it calls for immediate attention and it is an emergency because depletion of potassium can cause cardiac arrhythmia and even death if not promptly taken care of.

Therefore the patient should be admitted to the hospital and be given fluids with Potassium chloride intravenously while monitoring the blood pressure, pulse as well as the cardiac function.

See the explanation below.

Explanation:

What electrolyte levels are abnormal?

The information shows that there are low levels of potassium and chloride.

Is there a medical emergency?

Yes, there is a medical emergency due low and depleting potassium which can result into a cardiac arrhythmia.

If so, what is it, and what should be done?

There is a need to admit the patient to the hospital for what is called an intravenous fluids which must be administered with KCI (potassium chloride). The pulse, cardiac function, and blood pressure must also be monitored.

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