Electrolytes Flashcards
Kalemias
SAME direction as prefix EXCEPT HR & UO
-K affects the heart so pick answers related to heart problems
Hyperkalemia
all s/sx go with prefix
-seizures, irritable
-diarrhea, borborygmi
-muscle spasm, hyperflexia
-everything heart related but HR goes up
HR & UO go down
-bradycardia
-oliguria
Hypokalemia
all s/sx go with prefix
-lethargy
-bradypnea
-constipation
-flaccid , hyporeflexia
HR & UO go up
-tachycardia
-polyuria
Calcemias
All s/sx go in the OPPOSITE of prefix
-pick answers related to skeletal muscle problems
Hypercalcemia
all s/sx go down
pay attention muscles
-chvostek sign: cheek spasms (tap cheek)
-Trousseau: spasm of hand when BP cuff inflates
Hypocalcemia
all s/sx go up
Magnesmias
s/sx go opposite of prefix
hyper - s/sx go low
hypo- s/sx go high
Potential that s/sx could be from several different electrolyte imbalances…
choose calcium if nerve or skeletal muscle involved
choose potassium for any other symptom or things affecting blood pressure
never choose magnesemia
Hypernatremia (sodium)
hypErnatremia = dEhydration (DI, HHNK,DKA)
-hot, flushed, dry skin, thready pulse, elevated HR
-Give fluids
Hyponatremia (sodium)
hypOnatremia = fluid Overload (SIADH)
-crackles, distended neck veins
-Fluid restriction, Lasix
Universal sign of electrolyte imbalance
Paresis: muscle weakness
Earliest sign of electrolyte imbalance
Paresthesia: numbess/tingling
Circumoral = around the lips
Hyperkalemia Tx
MOST PROBLEMATIC IMBALANCE
high K can stop the heart
-give D5W & regular insulin (temp solution) & Kayexalate (long term solution) at the same time
D5W & regular insulin: K enters early -> pushes K into cell and out blood
Kayexalate (enema or ingestion): K exits late -> makes K leave the body through feces. Exchanges K for sodium which creates Hypernatrmia = dehydration = give fluids
Hypokalemia Tx
NEVER IV PUSH POTASSIUM
-give potassium <40 of IV fluid (anything dose above this call and clarify order)