Electrolyte Imbalances Explained Flashcards
Functions of Sodium (+)
Maintain ECF volume, Nerve impulse transmission, Muscle contraction, Acid-base balance
Functions of Potassium (-)
Maintain ICF volume, Nerve impulse contraction, Muscle contractions (especially heart), Acid-base balance, Sugar storage (glycogen and glucose in liver and muscles)
Sodium Potassium Pump
-It’s responsible for maintaining the concentration gradients of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane
-The pump works by using energy from ATP hydrolysis to exchange three sodium ions for two potassium ions.
Functions of Magnesium (+)
Muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, protein synthesis, bone structure, Enzyme function
Function of Calcium (-)
Bone and tooth formation, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, blood clotting, enzyme function
atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
promotes sodium excretion
Aldosterone
causes the kidney to retain sodium and excrete potassium
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Causes water retention
Acid-Base buffer system and potassium regulation
Hydrogen ions (acid) exchange
* Decreasing pH, K shifts out of cells
* Increasing pH, K shifts into cells
Parathyroid hormone
causes calcium REsorption from bones, ABsorption in GI tract, and retention of calcium in the kidneys
-indirectly regulates magnesium as well
Calcitonin
inhibits resorption of calcium in the bones
Kidneys and Magnesium regulations
reabsorption or excretion occurs in the kidneys based on the body’s needs
Causes of hyponatremia
Excessive water intake
Heart failure
Renal disease
Some diuretics
GI loss
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic
Hormone (SIADH)
Causes of hypernatremia
Dehydration
Excessive sodium intake
Hyperaldosteronism
Diabetes insipidus
Hyponatremia manifestations
Headache
Nausea & vomiting
Muscle cramps
Lethargy & fatigue
Confusion
Seizures
Coma & death
Hypernatremia manifestions
Thirst
Dry mucous membranes
Edema
Muscle twitching
Restlessness
Irritability
Confusion
Seizures
Causes of hypokalemia
Some diuretics
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Malnutrition
Alkalosis
Insulin therapy
Excessive use of laxatives
Causes of hyperkalemia
Renal failure
Some diuretics
Acidosis
Severe tissue trauma
* Burns
* Crush injuries
Massive blood transfusions
Hypokalemia manifestations
Muscle weakness
Cramps
Fatigue
Arrhythmias
Decreased peristalsis
* Nausea
* Constipation
Shallow respirations
Hyperkalemia manifestations
Muscle weakness
Paralysis
Arrhythmias
Nausea
Causes of hypocalcemia
Hypoparathyroidism
Vit D deficiency
Chronic kidney disease
Pancreatitis
Malnutrition/malabsorption
Causes of hypercalcemia
Hyperparathyroidism
Malignancy
Prolonged immobilization
Excessive calcium/vit D intake
Excessive use of some antacids
or laxatives
Manifestations of hypocalcemia
Muscle cramps
Tetany
Hyperreflexia
Seizures
Chvostek’s & Trousseau’s
Paresthesia
Dysrhythmias/palpitations
manifestations of hypercalcemia
Muscle weakness -> flaccid
Hyporeflexia
Lethargy
Confusion
Constipation
Kidney stones
Dysrhythmias
Osteoporosis
