Electrolyte Imbalances For The Final Flashcards
What are the clinical manifestations of Hyponatremia?
Poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, headache, decreased salivation, decreased BP, nausea,
abdominal cramping, and neurologic changes
What causes Hyponatremia? (low sodium levels)
Adrenal insufficiency
water intoxication
SIADH
Sodium losses by vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and diuretics
How does a Nurse manage Hyponatremia? (Low Sodium Levels)
assessment and prevention
monitoring of dietary sodium and fluid intake
identification and monitoring of at-risk patients and the effects of medications (diuretics and lithium)
What causes Hypernatremia? (too much sodium)
excess water loss, excess sodium administration, diabetes insipidus, heat stroke, and hypertonic IV solutions
Symptoms presented in a patient that is experiencing Hypernatremia?
Manifestations: thirst; elevated temperature; dry, swollen tongue; sticky mucosa; neurologic symptoms; restlessness; and weakness
–Thirst may be impaired in the elderly or ill
Nursing Interventions for a patient with hypernatremia?
assessment and prevention, assess for over-the-counter (OTC) sources of sodium, offer and encourage fluids to meet patient needs, and provide sufficient water with tube feedings
What causes hypokalemia?
GI losses, medications, alterations of acid–base balance, hyperaldosteronism, and poor dietary intake
What are the symptoms of someone with low potassium levels? (Hypokalemia)
fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dysrhythmias,
muscle weakness, cramps,
paresthesias, glucose intolerance, decreased muscle strength, and deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
How work a nurse manage Hypokalemia?
assessment (severe hypokalemia is life-threatening),
monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG),
arterial blood gases (ABGs),
give/promote dietary potassium, and providing nursing care related to IV potassium administration
Clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia?
cardiac changes and dysrhythmias, muscle weakness with potential respiratory impairment, paresthesias, anxiety, and GI manifestations
What causes hyperkalemia?
usually treatment-related, impaired renal function, hypoaldosteronism, tissue trauma, and acidosis
How would a nurse manage hyperkalemia?
Assess serum potassium levels, mix well IVs containing K+, monitor medication effects, and initiate dietary potassium restriction and dietary teaching for patients at risk
Facts about Hyperkalemia to know
- Hemolysis of blood specimen or drawing of blood above IV site may result in false laboratory result
- Salt substitutes and medications may contain potassium
- Potassium-sparing diuretics may cause elevation of potassium and should not be used in patients with renal dysfunction
