Electrolytes Flashcards
salt loss (Low sodium manifestations)
S: Seizures & stupor
A: Abdominal cramping
L: Lethargic
T: Tendon reflexes deminished, trouble concentrating.
L: Loss of urine & appetite
O: Orthostatic hypotension, overactive bowel sounds.
S: Shallow respirations
S: Spasms of muscles.
Which medication can cause electrolyte imbalance
Diuretics.
FRIED (High sodium manifestations)
F: Fatigue
R: Restless, really agitated
I: Increase reflexes (seizure/coma)
E: Extreme thirst (BIG)
D: Decreased urine output (Dry mouth/skin)
Chloride role?
Acid-base balance.
Digestion.
Balancing fluids in the body.
How does sodium impact potassium?
They have an opposite relationship. So if low sodium = high potassium, if low potassium = high sodium.
What is the role of potassium
Muscle contraction and nerve impulse.
Hypokaliemia causes
Diuretics
Corticosteroids
Too much insulin.
Cushings: Increase cortisol = decrease potassium, increase na+.
Manifestations of Hypokalemia?
The Seven L’s
Lethargic
Low, shallow respirations
Lethal cardiac dysrhthmias
Lots of urine
Leg cramps
Limp muscles
Low BP & Heart.
Causes of Hyperkaliema?
Renal failure
Rhabdomyolisis (breakdown of muscle).
manifestations of hyperkaliema? MURDER
Muscle weakness
Urinairy output little or none
respiratory failure
decreased cardiac contractility
early muscle twiches/cramps
rhytm changes :Tall peaked t waves.
Calcium role
Bone health/teeth, muscle/nerves and clotting.
What regulates calcium
Vitamin D
PTH (thyroid gland)
Calcitonin.
Causes of hypocalcemia
Thyroidectomy (diminution PTH)
Low intake of calcium (lactose intolerant)
Low vitamin D
Biphosphonates - stronger bones - release of calcium.
Manifestations of low calcium CRAMPS
Convulsions
Reflexes hyperactive
Arrthmias (prolonged QT intervale)
Muscle spasms (calves/feet-tetany)
Positives signs of trousseau/chvostek)
Sensation of tingling/numbness (parasthesia)
Trousseau sign?
Indicator for low calcium level.
Place blood pressure cuff around arm & inflate to pressure greater than systolic blood pressure
Hold for 3 mins.
Positive sign: Hand draws in as thumb wrist and mcp joints flex but fingers extend. (Hand draws in towards the body but fingers stay extended)
Chvostek sign
Tap the jaw near the connecting part from jaw to skull and it will make the nerves twich
Hypercalcemia causes
Hyperactive PTH (release too much Ca+ in blood.
Increase vitamin D or supplements with calcium.
Cancer = spread to bones.
Lithium, LPTH, thiazides.
Hypercalcemia manifestations WEAK
W: Weakness of the muscles
E: EKG changes (Shortened QT interval)
A: Absent reflexes, altered mental status, abdominal distension.
K: Kidney stone formation.
Magnesium role?
Nerve/muscle relaxation/vessels
Therefore if magnesium permits muscles to relax then you will have
muscle spasms.
Hypomagnesemia causes?
Not consuming enough
Other electrolyte imbalances = Low calcium = low magnesium. They are linked together
Absorption small intestine
Alcoholism.
Hypomagnesemia manifestations? TWITCH
Trousseau & chvostek sign
Weakness
Increased deep tendon reflex
Torsad de points (Anormal tachycardia rhytm which can lead to sudden death)
Calcium & potassium levels low
Hypertension.
