L.S. is brought to the emergency department for management

L.S. is brought to the emergency department for management of acute mushroom poisoning. Her respirations are slow and shallow, and she is non-responsive. She is admitted to the critical care unit to be closely monitored for the development of ventilatory failure and renal failure, which often accompany mushroom poisoning. Her urine output is decreased at about 20 ml/hr. Her laboratory values are:

• Serum K⁺= 5.7 mEq/L
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
• pH = 7.13
• P_aCO₂= 56 mm Hg
• P_aO₂= 89 mm Hg
• HCO₃^–= 18 mEq/L.

Questions

1. What is the relationship between acid-base balance and serum potassium level?
2. What is the reason for L.S.’s low urine output? How should her fluids be managed?
3. Categorize and explain the probable cause of L.S.’s acid-base disorder.
4. Can L.S. compensate for her acid-base disorder? Why or why not?
5. How should her acid-base imbalance be medically managed?