ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE: SUMMARY Flashcards
1
Q
A
2
Q
Summary: Which drugs should you be aware of that cause electrolyte disturbances?
A
- Thiazide diuretics
- Loop diuretics
- Ciclosporin
- Lithium
- ACE-Inhibitors
- Bisphosphonates
- Corticosteroids
3
Q
What electrolytes do
Thiazide diuretics affect?
A
- Calcium
- Hypercalcaemia - Magnesium
- HYPOmagnesia - Potassium
- HYPOkalaemia - Sodium
- HYPOnatraemia
4
Q
What electrolytes do
Loop diuretics disturb?
A
- Calcium
- HYPOcalcaemia (NOTE:
Thiazide causes hyperca/caemia) - Magnesium
- HYPOmagnesia - Potassium
- HYPOkalaemia - Sodium
- HYPOnatraemia
5
Q
What is the difference in terms of electrolyte
disturbances caused by Loop and thiazide diuretics?
A
- They both cause low levels of Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium
- Thiazide causes HIGH levels of Calcium
- Loop causes LOW levels of Calcium
6
Q
What electrolytes does Ciclosporin disturb?
A
- Magnesium
- HYPOmagnesia - Potassium
- Hyperkalaemia
7
Q
Which electrolytes does Lithium disturb?
A
- Calcium
- HYPERcalcaemia - Sodium
- HYPERnatraemia
8
Q
Which electrolytes do
ACE inhibitors disturb?
A
POTASSIUM
- Hyperkalaemia
9
Q
What electrolytes do
Bisphosphonates
disturb?
A
- Calcium
- HYPOcalcaemia - Magnesium
- HYPOmagnesaemia
10
Q
What electrolytes do
Corticosteroids disturb?
A
- Potassium
- HYPOkalaemia - Sodium
- Hypernatraemia
11
Q
Summary: Which drugs require careful monitoring of electrolytes?
A
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Electrolyte imbalances can increase the risk of arrhythmia (since that is also a side-effect of anti-arrhythmic drugs) - Digoxin
12
Q
What electrolytes (when disturbed)
increase the risk of digitalis toxicity?
A
- Hypercalcaemia
- Hypokalaemia
- Hypomagnesaemia
Make sure Calcium NEVER goes too high, and Potassium and Magnesium never go too LOW
