What problems may a client with nausea and vomiting be at risk for? (Select all that apply.)

Prolonged nausea and vomiting lead to the forced expulsion of gastric contents, resulting in the loss of fluids and essential hydrogen ions. This can trigger a cascade of metabolic disturbances, including hypovolemia and metabolic alkalosis. Sustained inability to retain nutrients quickly leads to a state of negative nitrogen balance and systemic depletion. A. Weight loss: Inadequate caloric intake combined with the loss of partially digested food results in rapid weight reduction. This is a primary concern in patients with hyperemesis or chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Nutritional status must be monitored closely to prevent malnutrition. B. Electrolyte imbalance: Vomiting causes significant loss of potassium, chloride, and sodium, leading to hypokalemia and hypochloremia. These imbalances can cause cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness. Correcting the ionic concentration is a critical nursing priority. C. Dehydration: The loss of gastric secretions and the inability to consume oral fluids result in a decrease in intravascular volume. This is manifested by tachycardia, hypotension, and poor skin turgor. Rehydration therapy is essential to maintain organ perfusion and prevent shock. D. Fluid retention: Vomiting causes fluid loss rather than retention; therefore, edema and weight gain are not expected findings. Patients are at risk for hypovolemia, the opposite of fluid overload. Retention would only occur if there was concurrent renal failure. E. Constipation: While dehydration can lead to hardened stools, vomiting typically stops the intake of food, which eventually results in reduced stool production rather than constipation. It is not a primary or immediate complication of the act of vomiting itself.