Electrolytes Flashcards
Normal serum range for
Sodium (Na+)
135-145 (mEq/L)
Normal serum range for
Potassium (K+)
3.5-5.2 (mEq/L)
Normal serum range for
Magnesium (Mg++)
1.5-2.5 (mEq/L)
Normal serum range for
Phosphorus (HPO4-)
2.5-4.5 (mg/dL)
Normal serum range for
Calcium (Ca++)
8.5-10.2 (mg/dL)
Normal serum range for
Chloride (Cl-)
95-105 (mEq/L)
Major functions of
Sodium (Na+)
1) Fluid distribution/balance
2) Muscle contraction
3) Nerve impulses
Major functions of
Potassium (K+)
1) Cardiac muscle activity
2) Skeletal muscle activity
Major functions of
Calcium (Ca++)
1) Bone and tooth formation
2) Muscle contraction and relaxation
3) Conduction of nerve impulses
4) Blood coagulation
Major functions of
Magnesium (Mg++)
1) Neuromuscular irritability & contractility
2) Cardiovascular functions
3) Stabilizes cell walls
Major functions of
Phosphorus (HPO4-)
1) Muscle and red blood cell function
2) Formation of ATP
3) Acid-base balance
4) Structural support for bones & teeth
Major functions of
Chloride (Cl-)
1) Osmotic pressure
2) Acid-base balance
3) Hydrochloric acid formation
Signs/symptoms of
Hyponatremia
- Increased pulse, decreased BP, dry skin/poor turgor
- Confusion, lethargy, headache, dizziness, muscle twitching, seizures
- Abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting
Signs/symptoms of
Hypernatremia
- Increased pulse, increased BP, mild body temp elevation, pulmonary edema, thirst, dry mucus membranes
- Mental status & behavioral changes, hallucinations, restless, twitching
- Nausea/vomiting, anorexia
Signs/symptoms of
Hypokalemia
- Decreased BP, EKG changes (flattened T-waves, prominent U-waves)
- Fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, paresthesias, hypoactive reflexes
- Nausea/vomiting, constipation
Signs/symptoms of
Hyperkalemia
- Dysrhythmias, EKG changes (tall T-waves, prolonged QRS)
- Anxiety, irritability, muscle weakness and cramping
- Diarrhea
Signs/symptoms of
Hypocalcemia
- Decreased BP, EKG changes (prolonged QT interval and ST), anxiety, irritability
- Numbness/tingling, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, bronchospasm, impaired clotting time
- Diarrhea
Signs/symptoms of
Hypercalcemia
- Increased BP, bradycardia, EKG changes (shortened ST segment & QT), flank pain, bone pain
- Lethargy, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, weakness
- Polyuria, polydipsia, nausea/vomiting, constipation
Signs/symptoms of
Hypomagnesemia
- Increased BP, EKG changes (flat or inverted T-waves, PVCs), insomnia, mood changes
- Increased deep tendon reflexes, neuromuscular irritability/hyperactivity
- Vomiting, anorexia
Signs/symptoms of
Hypermagnesemia
- Decreased BP, flushing, diaphoresis, drowsiness, depressed respirations, EKG changes (peaked T-waves, prolonged PR and QRS)
- Muscle weakness, hypoactive reflexes
Signs/symptoms of
Hypophosphatemia
- Chest pain, respiratory failure, tissue hypoxia
- Confusion, muscle weakness, paresthesias, nystagmus, seizures
- Bone pain & tenderness
Signs/symptoms of
Hyperphosphatemia
- Tachycardia
- Tetany, hyperactive reflexes
- Nausea/vomiting, anorexia
Signs/symptoms of
Hypochloremia
- Slow & shallow respirations, dysrhythmias, agitation, irritability
- Tremors, muscle cramps, hypertonicity, tetany, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, seizures
Signs/symptoms of
Hyperchloremia
- Tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, decreased cardiac output
- Cognitive changes, lethargy, weakness
- Pitting edema
Common causes of
Hyponatremia
Diuretic use
Loss of GI fluids
Renal disease
Adrenal insufficiency
Common causes of
Hypernatremia
Dehydration Diabetes insipidus Hyperventilation Diaphoresis Watery diarrhea
Common causes of
Hypokalemia
Diarrhea Vomiting Diuretics Gastric suction Digoxin toxicity
Common causes of
Hyperkalemia
Renal failure Potassium-sparing diuretics Metabolic acidosis Crush injury Burns Blood transfusions Addison’s disease
Common causes of
Hypocalcemia
Decreased parathyroid hormone Malabsorption disorders Alkalosis Pancreatitis Increased phosphorus level
Common causes of
Hypercalcemia
Increased parathyroid hormone Calcium supplement overuse Renal failure Acidosis Prolonged immobilization
Common causes of
Hypomagnesemia
Chronic alcoholism Diabetic ketoacidosis Renal failure Malabsorption disorders Hyperparathyroidism Hyperaldosteronism
Common causes of
Hypermagnesemia
Adrenal insufficiency
Renal failure
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypothyroidism
Common causes of
Hypophosphatemia
Alcohol withdrawal
Respiratory & metabolic alkalosis
Diuretic use
Antacid overuse
Common causes of
Hyperphosphatemia
Renal failure
Respiratory & metabolic acidosis
Rhabdomyolysis
Common causes of
Hypochloremia
Addison’s disease Chronic respiratory acidosis Sodium deficiency Excessive sweating Vomiting Diarrhea
Common causes of
Hyperchloremia
Hypernatremia
Renal failure
Dehydration
