Electrolytes

Question 1

salt loss (Low sodium manifestations)

Answer 1

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.

Question 1

Which medication can cause electrolyte imbalance

Answer 1

Diuretics.

Question 2

FRIED (High sodium manifestations)

Answer 2

F: Fatigue
R: Restless, really agitated
I: Increase reflexes (seizure/coma)
E: Extreme thirst (BIG)
D: Decreased urine output (Dry mouth/skin)

Question 3

Chloride role?

Answer 3

Acid-base balance.
Digestion.
Balancing fluids in the body.

Question 4

How does sodium impact potassium?

Answer 4

They have an opposite relationship. So if low sodium = high potassium, if low potassium = high sodium.

Question 5

What is the role of potassium

Answer 5

Muscle contraction and nerve impulse.

Question 6

Hypokaliemia causes

Answer 6

Diuretics
Corticosteroids
Too much insulin.
Cushings: Increase cortisol = decrease potassium, increase na+.

Question 7

Manifestations of Hypokalemia?

Answer 7

The Seven L’s

Lethargic
Low, shallow respirations
Lethal cardiac dysrhthmias
Lots of urine
Leg cramps
Limp muscles
Low BP & Heart.

Question 8

Causes of Hyperkaliema?

Answer 8

Renal failure
Rhabdomyolisis (breakdown of muscle).

Question 9

manifestations of hyperkaliema? MURDER

Answer 9

Muscle weakness
Urinairy output little or none
respiratory failure
decreased cardiac contractility
early muscle twiches/cramps
rhytm changes :Tall peaked t waves.

Question 10

Calcium role

Answer 10

Bone health/teeth, muscle/nerves and clotting.

Question 11

What regulates calcium

Answer 11

Vitamin D
PTH (thyroid gland)
Calcitonin.

Question 12

Causes of hypocalcemia

Answer 12

Thyroidectomy (diminution PTH)
Low intake of calcium (lactose intolerant)
Low vitamin D
Biphosphonates - stronger bones - release of calcium.

Question 13

Manifestations of low calcium CRAMPS

Answer 13

Convulsions
Reflexes hyperactive
Arrthmias (prolonged QT intervale)
Muscle spasms (calves/feet-tetany)
Positives signs of trousseau/chvostek)
Sensation of tingling/numbness (parasthesia)

Question 14

Trousseau sign?

Answer 14

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)

Question 15

Chvostek sign

Answer 15

Tap the jaw near the connecting part from jaw to skull and it will make the nerves twich

Question 16

Hypercalcemia causes

Answer 16

Hyperactive PTH (release too much Ca+ in blood.
Increase vitamin D or supplements with calcium.
Cancer = spread to bones.
Lithium, LPTH, thiazides.

Question 17

Hypercalcemia manifestations WEAK

Answer 17

W: Weakness of the muscles
E: EKG changes (Shortened QT interval)
A: Absent reflexes, altered mental status, abdominal distension.
K: Kidney stone formation.

Question 18

Magnesium role?

Answer 18

Nerve/muscle relaxation/vessels

Question 19

Therefore if magnesium permits muscles to relax then you will have

Answer 19

muscle spasms.

Question 20

Hypomagnesemia causes?

Answer 20

Not consuming enough
Other electrolyte imbalances = Low calcium = low magnesium. They are linked together
Absorption small intestine
Alcoholism.

Question 21

Hypomagnesemia manifestations? TWITCH

Answer 21

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.