Electrolyte Imbalance Symptoms

Question 1

HyperNatremia Symptoms

Answer 1

Think Neurological; Confusion, thirst, tachycardia, hypertension, restlessness, Muscle twitching, coma

Question 2

HyperNatremia Corrections

Answer 2

Hypotonic IVF; Administer fluids carefully; Diuretics

Question 3

HyperNatremia Etiology

Answer 3

Excessive Na (Hypertonic IVF, dietary sodium); Excess water loss (renal dysfunction, diaphoresis, DI, vomiting, diarrhea)

Question 4

Hyponatremia Symptoms

Answer 4

Think Neurological! (cerebral edema) Hypotension; confusion, lethargy; decreased muscle tone; GI symptoms

Question 5

Hyponatremia Corrections

Answer 5

IV NS (if severe, Hypertonic IV); restrict fluids; increase dietary sodium

Question 6

Hyponatremia Etiology

Answer 6

Diarrhea, vomiting, diuretics, diaphoresis, DKA, SIADH

Question 7

HyperCalcemia Symptoms

Answer 7

Think Valium! N/V; Excessive thirst, freq. urination; Constipation; Abdominal pain; muscle weakness, fatigue; Confusion, lethargy; ECG changes

Question 8

HyperCalcemia Corrections

Answer 8

Correct cause; IVF and diuretics (to dilute and remove); Drugs: Calcitonin, sodium/potassium phosphate

Question 9

HyperCalcemia Etiology

Answer 9

Malignancy (lung, bone, ovarian); Prolonged immobilization; excessive intake

Question 10

Hypocalcemia Symptoms

Answer 10

Chvostek and Trouseau’s signs; Paresthesia; ECG changes; muscle twitching; irritable, seizures, fractures, abnormal clots

Question 11

Hypocalcemia Corrections

Answer 11

Calcium chloride; Calcium gluconate (both irritating to the veins so give slow)

Question 12

HyperKalemia Symptoms

Answer 12

Muscle weakness; muscle cramps; N/V; tall, peaked T-wave; Metabolic acidosis

Question 13

HyperKalmeia Corrections

Answer 13

IV insulin & glucose (FASTEST); Calcium gluconate (to protect heart); Sodium bicarbonate (to alkanize fluids); Kaylexate; restrict K+

Question 14

Hypocalcemia Etiology

Answer 14

Removal of parathyroid; decreased Vita. D; acute pancreatitis; stored blood

Question 15

HyperKalemia Etiology

Answer 15

Renal dysfuction; K+ supplements; injury; metabolic acidosis; Beware of pseudohyperkalemia

Question 16

Hypokalemia Symptoms

Answer 16

Dysrythmias; Presence of U-wave; N/V; anorexia; muscle weakness; fatigue; Digoxin toxicity: HypoK can increase effects; Decreased Bowel sounds; Poly uria

Question 17

Hypokalemia Corrections

Answer 17

Irritable to veins; K+ rich foods; IV K+ diluted in 100 mL given over 1 hr

Question 18

Hypokalemia Etiology

Answer 18

Renal loss with diuretics, GI loss, Prolonged fluid accumulation; Body doesn’t compensate for K+ loss

Question 19

HyperMagnesemia Symptoms

Answer 19

Lethargy; hypotension; dysrythmias; respiratory depression

Question 20

HyperMagnesemia Corrections

Answer 20

Hold Mg; Dialysis; Calcium gluconate (to decrease heart efforts)

Question 21

HyperMagnesemia Etiology

Answer 21

Decreased renal function; excess intake; antacid or laxative (milk of Mg) use

Question 22

Hypomagnesemia Symptoms

Answer 22

Tremors; tetany; positive Chevostok & Trousseau, dysrythmias

Question 23

Hypomagnesemia Corrections

Answer 23

Magnesium sulfate IV

Question 24

Hypomagnesemia Etiology

Answer 24

Poor intake; decreased absorption; excess renal loss