<prompt> A 65-year-old man has an enterocutaneous fistula originating in the jejunum secondary to inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following would be the most appropriate fluid for replacement of his enteric losses?3 normal salineRinger lactate solution0.9 sodium chloride6 sodium bicarbonate solution  <response>: Bile and the fluids found in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum all have an electrolyte content similar to that of Ringer lactate. Saliva, gastric juice, and right colon fluids have high K and low Na content. Pancreatic secretions are high in bicarbonate. It is impoant to consider these variations in electrolyte patterns when calculating replacement requirements following gastrointestinal losses. 