Electrolyte Review Flashcards
Sodium
-Normal Levels
135-145 mEq/L
Most abundant electrolyte in ECF
Potassium (K+)
-Normal Value
3.5-5 mEq/L
Major Cation in ICF
Calcium
-Normal Value
8.5-10.5 mg/dL
Most abundant mineral in the body
Magnesium
-Normal Value
1.8-2.5 mEq/dL
2nd most abundant cation in ICF
Phosphorus
-Normal Value
2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Most abundant anion in ICF
Sodium
-Overview
- Most abundant electrolyte in ECF
- Regulates neuromuscular impulses in the nerve and muscle fibers
- Controlled by renal reabsorption and excretion
- ADH, RAAS, ANF
Sodium
-Dietary Sources
- Table salt
- Processed or cured meat
- Packaged foods
- Seafood
- Cheese
- Junk food
Hyponatremia
-Causes
- Diaphoresis
- Wound drainage
- Diuretic use
- Inappropriate ADH secretion
Hyponatremia
-Manifestations
- Muscle weakness
- Spasm, twitching
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes
- LETHARGY
- N/V/ anorexia
Hyponatremia
-Treatment
- Treat Cause
2. IV fluids -hypertonic or isotonic
Hyponatremia
-Nursing Interventions
- Monitor I&0 / DAILY WEIGHT
- Fluid Restriction
- Increase dietary intake
Hypernatremia
-Causes
- Increase in sodium intake
2. Excess loss of water or inadequate intake of water
Hypernatremia
-Manifestations
- Irritability, Restlessness
2. Confusion, agitation
Hypernatremia
-Treatment
- Treat Cause
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Correct fluid imbalance carefully
Hypernatremia
-Nursing Interventions
- Monitor Vital signs
- Daily weight
- Monitor edema
Potassium
-Overview
- Major Cation in the ICF
- Important for nerve-cell comm and initiation of muscle contraction (especially in the heart)
- Controlled by kidneys
- Aldosterone (promotes excretion)
- Insulin (moves K+ into the cells)
Potassium
-Dietary Sources
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Green leafy veggies
- Potatoes
- Avocados
Hypokalemia
-Causes
- Diuretics
- N/Diarrhea
- Nasogastric Suction
- Decreased intake
Hypokalemia
-Manifestations
- Cardiac arrhythmias (orthostatic hypotension)
- Decreased bowel motility
- Shallow ineffective respirations
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes
- Frequent urination
Hypokalemia
-Treatment
- K+ supplements
- Take w/ food to minimize GI side effects - IV potassium
- DILUTE it
- Max rate of 10 mEq/hr
- can cause BURNING sensation at IV site
Hypokalemia
-Nursing Interventions
- Cardiac monitor
- Monitor respiratory status
- Monitor Labs
- Do not crush or chew
- Encourage dietary intake
Hyperkalemia
-Causes
- Renal Failure
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- K+ supplements or IV replacement
- Lack of insulin (DKA)
- Cell destruction
- Hemolysis of cells w/ extended tourniquet application
Hyperkalemia
-Manifestations
- Low BP
- Bradycardia / arrhythmias
- Numbness or tingling of face, tongue, hands, feet
- Fatigue, drowsiness, confusion
Hyperkalemia
-Treatment
- Insulin moves K+ from ECF to ICF (give dextrose if needed)
- Diuretics
- Kayexelate (orally or via retention enema
- Dialysis
- IV calcium to minimize cardiac toxicity
Hyperkalemia
-Nursing Interventions
- Monitor renal function
- Cardiac Monitor
- Dialysis if needed