Electrolyte Imbalances Flashcards
1
Q
Hypercalcemia
A
- Serum calcium level > 10.5 mg/dL
- S/S: Weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, tingling lips, muscle cramps, confusion, hypoactive bowel sounds
- Causes: Hyperparathyroidism or malignancies, thiazide diuretics, lithium, renal failure, immobilization, metabolic acidosis
2
Q
Hypocalcemia
A
- Serum calcium level < 8.5 mg/dL
- S/S: anxiety, irritability, twitching around mouth, convulsions, tingling/numbness of fingers, diarrhea, abdominal/muscle cramps, arrhythmias
- Causes: inadequate vitamin D intake, low albumin, renal failure, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, hyperthyroid, elevated magnesium, acute pancreatitis
3
Q
Hyperkalemia
A
- Serum potassium level > 5.0 mEq/L
- S/S: weakness, nausea, diarrhea, hyperactive GI, muscle weakness and paralysis, arrhythmias, dizziness, postural hypotension, oliguria
- Causes: potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, renal failure, multiple transfusions, decreased renal steroids, OD of potassium supplements
4
Q
Hypokalemia
A
- Serum potassium level < 3.5 mEq/L
- S/S: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased LOC, leg cramps, muscle weakness, anxiety, irritability, arrhythmias, postural hypotension, coma
- Causes: anorexia, fad diets, prolonged NPO status, alkalosis, transfusion of frozen RBCs, prolonged NGT suctioning
5
Q
Hypermagnesemia
A
- Serum magnesium level > 2.7 mg/dL
- S/S: muscle weakness and fatigue are most common, vomiting, flushed skin, diaphoresis, thirst, arrhythmias, palpitations, dizziness
- Causes: elevated magnesium intake, chronic renal disease, pregnant women on parenteral magnesium for pre-eclampsia, Addison’s disease
6
Q
Hypomagnesemia
A
- Serum magnesium level < 1.7 mg/dL
- S/S: diarrhea, anorexia, arrhythmias, lethargy, muscle weakness, tremors, nausea, dizziness, seizures, irritability, confusion, psychosis, decreased BP, increased HR
- Causes: Prolonged NGT suctioning, diarrhea, laxative abuse, malnutrition, alcoholism, prolonged diuretic use, DKA, digoxin
7
Q
Hypernatremia
A
- Serum sodium level > 145 mEq/L
- S/S: confusion, fever, tachycardia, low BP, postural hypotension, dehydration, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, flushed
- Causes: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, ventilated pts, severe burns, profuse sweating, diabetes insipidus, diuresis
8
Q
Hyponatremia
A
- Serum sodium level < 135 mEq/L
- S/S: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, confusion, flat affect, decrease DBP, increased HR, postural hypotension, decreased deep tendon reflex (DTR)
- Causes: diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, burns, hemorrhage, fever, diaphoresis, CHF, renal failure, hyperglycemia, increased ADH
