Electrolyte Embalance - A Guide - Unit 1 Flashcards
What are some of the functions of sodium?
Maintains ECF osmolality (acid-base balance)
Sodium is the ____ cation in the ECF.
Dominant!
Where sodium goes, water flows. T/F?
True!
What is the normal range for sodium?
135-145 mEq/L
Hyponatremia - due to….
Sodium loss (solute deficit)/water gain.
Hyponatremia - may result from excess fluid/water in the body. T/F?
True!
Hyponatremia -caused by excess fluid/water can be caused by…
Kidney failure, congestive failure, prolonged use of diuretics (older adults,) profuse sweating or severe vomiting or diarrhea (sodium and found are lost from the body) and excessive ingestion of hypotonic fluids.
What are some manifestations of hyponatremia?
Headache, confusion or altered mental state, seizures, decreased consciousness which can lead to coma and death.
How do we diagnose hyponatremia?
We diagnose through symptoms and labs.
What do we do to treat hyponatremia? (Chronic)
Adjustments to diet, lifestyle or medications.
How do we treat hyponatremia? (Severe or acute hyponatremia)
IV fluids, electrolytes and drugs..we give them hypertonic solutions of 2-3% saline over a slow period of time. Or, we could give them 0.9% isotonic depending on the symptoms or conditions of the patient.
Hypernatremia - results from the loss of……
Free water or gain of sodium loss in excess of water. The net result is an increase in the concentration of sodium in the blood.
Sodium is the contributor to serum osmolality - so know both - T/F?
True!
What are some symptoms of hypernatremia?
Symptoms vary - but typically the first seen involve excitable membrane activity - like cerebral, muscular, and cardiac.
How do we diagnose hypernatremia?
Levels and history of patient
How do we treat hypernatremia?
Use hypotonic solutions, diuretics that excrete sodium, monitor urine output and serum sodium levels and serum osmo, and nutritional therapy
Potassium - it is the major ___ - __% is found in the ICF
Cation - 98%
Movement of potassium is influenced by —- ?
Changes in pH, insulin, adrenal hormones, and changes in serum sodium.
What is the normal potassium level?
3.5-5.5 mEq
What are some of the functions of potassium?
Neuromuscular irritability, cardiac impulse conduction and muscle contractility, electrical impulses in nerve, skeletal and intestinal tissue, regulation of acid-base balance, influencing kidney function, intestinal absorption, etc.
What can cause hypokalemia?
Excessive fluid loss from diarrhea, tubes, diuretic drugs, draining wounds/fistulas, malabsorption syndrome, acid base imbalances, heart failure, some drugs like digoxin/ace inhibitors/laxatives, etc.
What are some cardiac changes in hypokalemia?
Weak pulse, flat or inverted t waves, irregular heartbeat, multi focal PVC’s..
Hypokalemia can not increase the chance of digitalis (digoxin) toxicity. T/F?
FALSE - it can’t be eliminated, so it can increase the risk of toxicity.
What are some manifestations of hypokalemia?
Generalized muscle weakness, muscle cramps, cardiac dysrhythmia’s, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, anorexia, reduced intestinal peristalsis, paralytic ileus.
What are some of the treatment options for hypokalemia?
Correct the cause, oral or intravenous administration of potassium, salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium enriched foods, Eliminate medications enhancing the symptoms and condition
What are some of the causes of hyperkalemia?
Kidney failure (chronic), cell trauma (burns, crush injuries, MI), I+sparing diuretics, acidosis state - possibly during a cardiac arrest!
What are some manifestations of hyperkalemia?
Usually vague - numbness and tingling and weakness but will continue to get worse. More serious is bradycardia and fatal dysrhythmia’s and CA, flaccid paralysis and apathy!
What are some cardiac changes in hyperkalemia?
EKG changes, distinctive tall/peaked T waves with a prolonged PR interval. The QRS widening - not good! V fib or asystole? Dead dead!