Electrolyte Imbalances- Exam 1 Flashcards
Normal calcium range
8.8 - 10.4 mg/dL
Normal chloride range
96 - 106 mEq/L
Normal magnesium range
1.8 - 2.6 mg/dL
Normal phosphorus range
2.7 - 4.5 mg/dL
Normal potassium range
3.5 - 5 mEq/L
Normal sodium range
135 - 145 mEq/L
Substances whose molecules dissociate into ions when placed in water
electrolytes
electrolyte concentrations differ depending on?
fluid compartments
An abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body
electrolyte imbalance
Electrolytes help to regulate what?
cardiac and neuro function
fluid balance
O2 delivery
acid-base balance
3 most essential electrolytes involved in neuro/cardio-function
K+, Na+, Ca++
Type of electrolyte movement of mainly molecules across a permeable membrane from high concentration to low concentration
Diffusion
Is simple diffusion active or passive?
Passive
Type of electrolyte movement that uses carriers to move molecules
facilitated diffusion
Glucose cannot enter most cell membranes without assistance from?
Insulin
Type of electrolyte movement in which molecules move against the concentration gradient
active transport
External energy is required for what type of electrolyte movement?
Active transport
Give an example of active transport
the sodium-potassium pump
Active transport uses what to move sodium into the cell and potassium out of the cell?
ATP
Sodium plays a major role in what 4 things in the body?
- ECF volume and concentration (osmolality)
- Generation and transmission of nerve impulses
- Muscle contractility
- Acid-base balance
Osmolality AKA
concentration
Excreting more sodium = _____ osmolality
decreased
Excreting less sodium = _____ osmolality
increased
Serum sodium levels >145 mEq/L is known as
hypernatremia
Hypernatremia causes hyperosmolality leading to?
cellular dehydration
What is the body’s primary protection from developing hypernatremia?
Thirst
What part of the brain triggers thirst?
Hypothalamus
Hypernatremia is not really a sodium disorder but a ? disorder
Water
Causes of hypernatremia
Excess Na+ intake
Hypertonic IVF
Fluid deprivation
Heat stroke
Diabetes Insipidus
Serum sodium levels <135 mEq/L is what disorder?
Hyponatremia
Causes of hyponatremia
Disease process
Fluid overload in surgical/sepsis pts
Exercise associated: extreme temps, excess water intake, prolonged exercise
Medications: anticonvulsants, SSRIs
What processes in the body is potassium necessary for?
-Transmission and conduction of nerve and smooth muscle impulses
-Cellular growth
-Maintenance of cardiac rhythms
-Acid-base balance
Causes of hyperkalemia
-Excessive intake
-Internal shift (K+ shifting out of cells)
-Retention
-Crush injury
-Severe burns
Clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia
-Increased cell excitability (wide, flat P wave; prolonged PR interval; widened QRS; tall, peak T waves, depressed ST)
-Muscle weakness
-Abdominal/leg cramps
-Diarrhea