Electrolyte Balance Flashcards
Electrolytes are…
charged particles in a solution
2 types of electrolytes
Cation (+)
Anion (-)
Types of cations (+)
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Types of Anions (-)
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate
- Phosphate
- Sulfate
Major extracellular Cation
Sodium
Major intracellular cation
Potassium
Sodium…
-Attracts fluid and helps to preserve fluid volume.
Sodium combines with
chloride and bicarbonate to help regulate acid-base balance
Normal sodium serum range
135-145
When serum sodium levels are low ____________ helps to conserve water and sodium
Aldosterone
When serum Na+ levels are high, thirst increases and _____ is released to…
ADH, trigger kidneys to retain water
Explain sodium-potassium pump.
- Sodium tries to get into cells, potassium tries to get out.
- Uses ATP, Magnesium and enzyme to maintain sodium-potassium concentrations.
- Prevents cell swelling, creates electrical charge, allowing neuromuscular impulse transmission.
Sodium level of <135, r/t amount of body fluid.
Hyponatremia
Results from Na+ loss, water gain.
Dilutional Hyponatremia
Insufficient Na+ intake
Depletional Hyponatremia
Na+ loss is greater than water loss; can be renal (diuretics) or non-renal (vomiting).
Hypovolemic Hyponatremia
Water gain is greater than Na+ gain; edema occurs
Hypervolemic Hyponatremia
Normal Na+ level; too much fluid.
Isovolumic Hyponatremia
What do you see in hyponatremia?
-Headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, altered mental status, stupor, seizures, coma.
What do we do for a mild case of hyponatremia?
- Restrict fluid intake for hypervolemic/isovolemic
- Iv fluids and increased po Na+ intake for hypovolemic
What do we do for a severe case of hyponatremia?
- Infuse Hypertonic NaCl solution(3-5%)
- Furosemide to remove excess fluid
- Monitor client in ICU
Hypokalemia can be caused by…
Gi losses, diarrhea, insuficient intake, non-k+ sparing diuretics (thiazide, furosemide).
Hypokalemia= changes in ____ wave!
U-wave
When thinking hypokalemia, think…
SUCTION s-Skeletal musce weakness u-U wave changes c-Constipation t-toxicity of digitalis glycosides i-irregular/week pulse o-orthostaic hypotension n-numbness
What do we do for hypokalemic patients?
- Increase dietary K+
- Oral KCl supplements
- IV K+ replacement
- Change to K+-sparing diuretic
- Monitor EKG changes
Hyperkalemia is _____ common than hypokalemia.
Less common
Hyperkalemia is caused by…
-altered kidney function, increased intake of salt substitiutes, blood transfusions, meds, cell death.
What do we see in Hyperkalemia?
- Irritability
- Parasthesia
- Muscle Weakness
- EKG changes
- Irregular Pulse
- Hypotension
- Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
What do we do for mild hyperkalemia?
- Loop diuretics (lasix)
- Dietary restriction
What do we do for moderate hyperkalemia?
Kayexalate
What do we do for emergency hyperkalemia?
- 10% Calcium Gluconate for cardiac effects
- Sodium bicarbonate for acidosis
Magnesium helps to produce…
ATP