Discussion Topic Respond to the following case study in a post. Add new or additional information that was not stated in previous posts. A patient has what he calls "acid indigestion" and takes chewable tables to try to relieve it. He admits that the fruit flavors of the tables often have him "popping them like candy" all day. He is visiting the doctor because he says his muscles feel "jumpy." What would you expect to find for a blood pH, respirations per minute, and urine pH? Give explanations for each.
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Individuals who consume excessive amounts of antacids, especially those high in calcium or magnesium, can experience metabolic alkalosis due to the overconsumption of alkaline substances. This could lead to a higher blood pH value, typically above 7.45, as the body becomes less acidic. As for respiration, shallow, less frequent breaths could be observed as part of the body’s compensatory mechanism to retain CO2, which helps to balance the pH levels. With constant ingestion of these chewable antacids, it's likely that the urine pH would also be elevated, reflecting the body's attempt to excrete excess alkali. A urine pH above 7.0 indicates a state of alkalinity, which could potentially contribute to the "jumpy" muscle sensations the patient describes, often linked to electrolyte imbalances from chronic antacid use. It's a classic case of how a sweet relief can turn into a sour situation!