ATI - Electrolyte Imbalances - 58 Flashcards
_____ is the major electrolyte found in ECF and is present in most body fluids or secretions.
sodium (Na+)
Sodium is essential for maintenance of ______ and fluid balance, active and passive transport mechanisms, and irritability and conduction of _____ and ______.
acid-base
nerve and muscle tissue
Expected serum sodium levels
136 - 145 mEq/L
_____ is a serum sodium level less than 136 mEq/L
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia results from an excess of water in the ______ or loss of _____ rich fluids.
plasma
sodium
Hyponatremia delays and slows the ______ of membranes.
depolorization
With hyponatremia water moves from the _____ into the _____, which causes cells to swell (cerebral edema)
ECF to ICF
Serious complications can result from untreated acute hyponatremia such as coma, ______, and _______).
seizures
respiratory arrest
Risk Factors of Hyponatremia
Deficient ECF volume
Excessive GI losses: vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, diarrhea, tap water enemas
Renal losses: diuretics, kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, excessive sweating
Skin losses: burns, wound drainage, gi obstruction, peripheral edema, ascites
Increased or normal ECF volume: excessive oral water intake, syndrome of inappropriate antiduretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
Edematous states: heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome
Excessive hyponotic IV fluids
Inadequate sodium intake (NPO status)
Hyperglycemia
Age-related risk factors: older adult clients are at greater risk due to an increased incidence of chronic illnesses, use of diuretic medications, and risk for insufficient sodium intake
Expected Findings with Hyponatremia - Vital Signs
Hypothermia Tachycardia Rapid thready pulse hypotension orthostatic hypotension
Expected Findings with Hyponatremia - Physical Assessment Findings
vary with a normal decreased or increased ECF volume
Expected Findings with Hyponatremia - neuromusculoskeletal
headahe confusion lethargy muscle weakness with possible respiratory compromise fatigue decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) seizures coma
Expected Findings with Hyponatremia - GI
increased motility hyperactive bowel sounds abdominal cramping anorexia nausea vomiting
For hyponatremia the serum sodium lab test will be ______.
decreased: less than 136 mEq/L
For hyponatremia the urine specific gravity will be _____.
less than 1.010 (if not due to SIADH)
For hyponatremia the serum osmolarity is _______.
decreased: less than 280 mOsm/kg
p348 nursing care review
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Hypernatremia is a serum sodium level _____.
greater than 145 mEq/L
With hypernatremia the serum osmolarity is ______ to ______.
increased: greater than 295 mOsm/kg
With Hypernatremia the urine specific gravity will be ______.
greater than 1.030
Patient Centered Care for Hypernatremia
Report lab finding outside of the expected reference range to the provider
Monitor level of consciousness and ensure safety
Provide oral hygiene and other comfort measures to decrease thirst
Monitor I&O, and alert the provider if urinary output is inadequate
Fluid Loss: Based on serum osmolarity. Administer hypotonic IV fluids (Q.225% sodium chloride)
Excess Sodium: Encourage water intake and discourage sodium intake. Administer diuretics (loop diuretics)
______ is the major cation in ICF.
Potassium (K+)
Potassium plays a vital role in _______; transmission of nerve impulses; functioning of cardiac, lung, and muscle tissues; and acid-base balance.
cell metabolism
Potassium has reciprocal action with _____.
sodium
Expected serum potassium levels are ______.
3.5 mEq/L - 5.0 mEq/L
______ is a serum potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is the result of an increased loss of potassium from the body, decreased intake and absorption of potassium, or movement of _____.
potassium into the cells.
Hypokalemia Risk Factors - general
Hyperaldosteronism
Inadequate dietary intake (rare)
Prolonged administration of non-electrolyte-containing IV solutions such as 5% dextrose in water
Hypokalemia Risk Factors - Excessive GI losses
vomiting
nasogastric suctioning
diarrhea
excessive laxative use
Hypokalemia Risk Factors - renal losses
Excessive use of potassium-excreting diuretics
i.e. furosemide (lasix), corticosteroids
Hypokalemia Risk Factors - skin losses
diaphoresis
wound losses
Hypokalemia Risk Factors - ICF
metabolic alkalosis, after correction of acidosis (treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis), during periods of tissue repair (burns, trauma, starvation), total parental nutrition
Hypokalemia Expected Findings - Vital Signs
hyperthermia weak irregular pulse hypotension orthostatic hypotension respiratory distress
Hypokalemia Expected Findings - neuromusculoskeletal
ascending bilateral muscle weakness with respiratory collapse and paralysis
muscle cramping
decreased muscle tone and hypoactive reflexes
paresthesias
mental confusion
Hypokalemia Expected Findings - electrocardiogram (ecg)
premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) bradycardia blocks ventricular tachycardia flattening T waves ST depression
Hypokalemia Expected Findings - GI
decreased motility hypoactive bowel sounds abdominal distention constipation ileus (bowel obstruction in the ileum) nausea vomiting anorexia
Hypokalemia Expected Findings - other clinical findings
anxiety, which can progress to lethargy