BMP Flashcards
What are the main components of a BMP?
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
- Chloride (Cl)
- Bicarbonate (HCO3)
- Creatinine (Cr)
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Calcium (Ca)
What main information does a BMP provide?
- Fluid and electrolyte status
- Renal function
What is the normal value of Potassium (K)?
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
What is the main role of potassium?
-Body’s major intracellular cation
-Main determinate of resting cell membrane potential
*important for cardiac b/c action potentials
What is hypokalemia?
-Low potassium
<3.5
What are signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?
-Typically vague –> generalized weakness, malaise, paresthesias (pins and needles sensation)
What is the most common cause of hypokalemia?
Diuretic induced renal or diarrheal induced gastrointestinal losses of potassium
(AKA fluid loss or being on a diuretic)
What is the treatment for hypokalemia?
\<3.2 = supplement with oral potassium \<3.0 = supplement with IV potassium (this is very painful)
What is hyperkalemia?
High potassium
>5.5
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?
- Typically vague –> generalized weakness, muscle fatigue, nausea
- More significant with moderate to severe hyperkalemia (>6.0) –> palpitations, chest pain
What are the causes of hyperkalemia?
- Decreased excretion (renal failure, addison’s disease)
- Increased production (aka tissue injury) (burns, rhabdomyolysis, crush injury)
- Transcellular shift (metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia)
- Fictitious (pseudohyperkalemia)
- Drugs (digoxin)
- Rarely ever from increased K intake
What patient population would be at an increased risk for hyperkalemia?
Patients on dialysis (specifically patients who skip dialysis can have severe hyperkalemia)
What is the normal range of Sodium (Na) and what is the role of sodium?
- 135-145 mg/L
- Predominant extracellular cation
What is the role of ASH and aldosterone?
- ADH (pituitary) → H2O retention
- Aldosterone (kidneys) → sodium reabsorption
What is hyponatremia?
Sodium <135
-Disorders of ECF volume (volume status, serum osmolality)
What are signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?
Headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cramping, confusion, lethargy, agitation, N/V, seizures, dehydration, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanelles
What are the causes of hyponatremia?
- Hypertonic (hyperglycemic) increased solute
- Isotonic (hyperlipidemia, hyperproteinemia)
- Hypotonic (diuretic use, GI loss, renal failure, CHF, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis)
What is hypernatremia?
High sodium
>145
What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?
Lethargy, irritability, restlessness, spasticity, seizure, tachycardia, orthostasis, dry mucous membranes, diminished skin turgor, oliguria