A 75-Year-Old Man with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Is Brought

question 1304

Multiple Choice

A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department due to weakness and blurred vision.  Over the last several days, the patient has had a hacking cough, sore throat, and poor appetite.  Temperature is 38 C (100.5 F) , blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, pulse is 112/min, and respirations are 18/min.  On physical examination, the patient is lethargic and has dry mucous membranes.  Heart sounds are regular, and the lungs are clear to auscultation.  The abdomen is soft, nontender, and nondistended.  No rashes are present.  There is mild, generalized weakness on neurologic examination.  Laboratory results are as follows: Which of the following is most likely present in this patient?

• A)Decreased serum ionized calcium concentration
• B)Renal phosphate retention
• C)Renal sodium loss that exceeds water loss
• D)Suppression of antidiuretic hormone release
• E)Total body potassium deficit

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Definitions:

Consideration

Something of value that is given by both parties to a contract as the agreed-upon price or exchange for the contractual promises.

Valid Consideration

An essential element of a contract, which constitutes something of value exchanged between the contracting parties.

Forbearance

Forbearance is the action of refraining from enforcing a right, obligation, or debt in a legal agreement, usually as an act of leniency by the creditor.

Sufficient Consideration

A legal concept indicating that the value exchanged in a contract is recognized as adequate, making the contract binding and enforceable.