Electrolyte/Nutrient imbalances

Question 1

What is hypernatremia?

Answer 1

-increased Na concentration

Question 2

What are possible causes of hypernatremia?

Answer 2

• increased fluid loss (sweating)
• adrenal gland dysfunction
• limited H2O intake (dehydration)
• diuretics
• excessive dietary intake of Na

Question 3

What are the S&S of hypernatremia?

Answer 3

• muscle weakness
• restlessness
• lethargy
• thirst
• confusion
• irritability

Question 4

What is hyponatremia?

Answer 4

• decreased Na concentration

- Na loss> H2O loss

Question 5

What are possible causes of hyponatremia?

Answer 5

• excessive water intake
• CHF, kidney failure, liver disease
• Severe V/D
• Diuretics
• Addison’s disease

Question 6

What are the S&S of hyponatremia?

Answer 6

• HA
• N/V
• loss of energy
• confusion

Question 7

What does the amount of Na in the body tell us?

Answer 7

blood volume

Question 8

What does the amount of K in the body tell us?

Answer 8

membrane potential

Question 9

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 9

increased K in the interstitial –> increases excitability

Question 10

What are possible causes of hyperkalemia?

Answer 10

• kidney failure
• hypoaldosteronism
• diet
• NSAIDS, ARBS, Diuretics

Question 11

What are the S&S of hyperkalemia?

Answer 11

• arrhythmias
• respiratory arrest
• neuro consequences

Question 12

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 12

decreased K in interstitial–> hyperpolarization

Question 13

What are possible causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 13

• V/D
• diuretics
• kidney dialysis
• diet

Question 14

What are the S&S of hypokalemia?

Answer 14

• palpations
• fatigue
• leg cramps
• muscle weakness
• flaccid paralysis
• N/V
• constipation

Question 15

What is calcium important for?

Answer 15

muscle contraction

Question 16

What is hypercalcemia?

Answer 16

increased calcium concentration in blood

Question 17

What is the primary cause of hypercalcemia?

Answer 17

hyperparathyroidism–> increased release of parathyroid hormone–> increased osteoclast activity–> more Ca leaks into circulation

Question 18

What can hypercalcemia lead to?

Answer 18

osteoporosis

Question 19

What are the S&S of hypercalcemia?

Answer 19

• Stones (kidney stones)
• Bones (bone pain)
• Groans (abdominal pain, N/V)
• Tachycardia

Question 20

What is hypocalcemia?

Answer 20

decreased calcium concentration in blood

Question 21

What can cause hypocalcemia?

Answer 21

• renal disease

- diuretics

Question 22

What are the S&S of hypocalcemia (ST and LT)?

Answer 22

ST: numbness & tingling, muscle cramps & tetany, lethargy, convulsions, negative chronotropic & ionotropic effects
LT: osteoporosis, osteopenia

Question 23

What is hyperglycemia?

Answer 23

increased blood glucose levels

-consistent range of 100-126 mg/dL

Question 24

What is ketoacidosis?

Answer 24

occurs in hyperglycemia because there is limited glucose use so the body breaks down fats instead –> increased ketone bodies–> lower pH

Question 25

What are the S&S of hyperglycemia?

Answer 25

• poor wound healing
• polyphagia
• polyurea
• polydipsia
• fatigue
• weight loss
• blurred vision
• cardiac dysrhythmias

Question 26

What is hypoglycemia?

Answer 26

decreased blood glucose levels

- < 70 mg/dL

Question 27

What are the effects of food, exercise, and insulin if hypoglycemic?

Answer 27

• food will increase blood glucose

- exercise and insulin will decrease blood glucose

Question 28

What are the S&S of hypoglycemia?

Answer 28

• HA
• nervousness
• irritability
• decreased coordination
• shaking
• tachycardia
• weakness

Question 29

What can severe hypoglycemia lead to?

Answer 29

coma