1.Mrs. B.N. is 67 years of age and has had a long history of arthritis, which is treated with anti-inflammatory medication. Her doctor has prescribed a drug to protect her stomach, but the drug is...

1.Mrs. B.N. is 67 years of age and has had a long history of arthritis, which is treated with anti-inflammatory medication. Her doctor has prescribed a drug to protect her stomach, but the drug is very expensive. She has chosen to take the “arthritis pills” without the “stomach pills” because her stomach feels fine. Recently she has had indigestion, which is relieved somewhat by eating. She also noticed hard, black tarlike stools. The indigestion becomes very painful and she vomits several times one morning. She is weak and lies down to rest, but her nausea and vomiting continue. When her heart begins to beat as though it “is trying to run away with me,” she calls a friend to take her to the hospital. She is examined and a diagnosis of acute gastritis and irregular heartbeat is made. Treatment is started.

(1)What fluid and electrolyte imbalances can be caused by vomiting? How are these imbalances related to Mrs. B.N.’s irregular heartbeat?

(2) Mrs. B.N. has experienced an irregular heartbeat that reduces cardiac output and may cause blood to pool in the atria of the heart. What are two potential problems that Mrs. B.N. may experience from the altered function of the heart?

(3)What has caused the change in Mrs. B.N.’s stools and what potential problem can occur if this continues?