Chemistry - Electrolytes Flashcards
What is the role of Sodium (Na+)
Major EXtracellular Cation and Maintains normal distribution of water & osmotic pressure
An increase of Sodium (Na+) can be due to:
↑ (hypernatremia):
- Due to ↑ intake or IV administration
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Excessive sweating, burns, or diabetes insipidus
What is NOT a cause of hypernatremia?
A. Tremors
B. Irratability and Confusion
C. Coma
D. Nausea
D. Nausea
A decrease of Sodium (Na+) can be due to:
↓ (hyponatremia):
- Due to renal or extrarenal loss (vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, burns)
- ↑ of extracellular fluid volume
Hyponatremia does NOT cause which of the following:
A. Weakness
B. Tremors
C. Nausea
D. Altered mental status
B. Tremors
What is the role of Potassium (K+) ?
Major INtracellular Cation
Increased Potassium (K+) can be due to:
↑ (hyperkalemia) Due to :
- ↑ intake
- ↓ excretion
- Crush injuries
- Metabolic acidosis
Decrease in potassium (K+) can be due to:
↓ (hypokalemia) due to:
- ↑ GI or urinary loss
- use of diuretics
- Metabolic alkalosis
Hyperkalemia does NOT cause which of the following:
A. Muscle weakness
B. Nausea
C. Confusion
D. Cardiac arrhythmia/arrest
B. Nausea
What is the role of Chloride (Cl-)
- Major EXtracellular anion
- Helps maintain osmolality, blood volume, and electric neutrality
What is the main role of CO2
Maintaining acid-base balance
What is the main role of Magnesium (Mg2+)
Essential cofactor for many enzymes.
What can cause an increase of Magnesium?
- Renal Failure
- ↑ intake (e.g., antacids)
- dehydration
- bone cancer
- endocrine disorders
A decrease of Magnesium (Mg2+) can be caused by:
- Severe illness
- GI disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Renal loss
What is the most abundant mineral in the body?
Calcium (Ca2+)
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a major role in:
Coagulation
Calcium (Ca2+) is often increased with:
- primary hyperparathyroidism
- cancer
Calcium (Ca2+) is often decreased in:
- hypoparathyroidism
- malabsorption
What is the role of Phosphorus (phosphate)?
Major INtracellular anion - in bones
Increase in Phosphorus (phosphate) is associated with:
- renal disease
- hypoparathyroidism.
A decrease in Phosphorus is associated with:
- hyperparathyroidism
- vitamin D deficiency
Lactate (Lactic acid) is a byproduct of what?
anaerobic metabolism
Lactate (lactic acid) can be used to monitor
↓ O2 to tissues
