Electolytes Flashcards
Isotonic solutions
Have equal concentration of particulate as the intracellular space
Why are isotonic solutions given?
To increase intravascular space - hemorrhage, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, etc.
Hypotonic solutions
Have a lower concentration of particulates than the intracellular space
Why are hypotonic solutions given?
To increase fluid inside cells - hypernatremia, diabetic ketoacidosis, etc.
Hypertonic solutions
Solutions have higher concentration of particulate as the intracellular space
Why are hypertonic solutions given?
To decrease fluids inside cells - hypovolemia, hyponatremia
Examples of isotonic solutions
Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), lactated ringers, D5w (dextrose 5% in water)
Examples of hypotonic solutions
0.225% and 0.45% sodium chloride
Examples of hypertonic solutions
Dextrose 10% in water, 3% and 5% sodium chloride
Normal hematocrit levels
Men: 38.8-50%
Women: 34.8-44.5%
Normal hemoglobin levels
Men: 13.5-17.5%
Women: 12-15.5%
What does decreased level of hematocrit and hemoglobin indicate?
Anemia, infection, over hydration, pregnancy
What does increased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels indicate?
Dehydration, cancer, chronic hypoxia, genetics, congenital heart disease
Administration of potassium
Can cause serious adverse reactions - must be mixed with 59-100mL of NS and infused on IV pump - NEVER given as an IV push
What does an eGFR below 15 indicate?
Kidney failure
