Electrolytes

Question 1

normal sodium level

Answer 1

136-145 mEq/L

Question 2

normal potassium level

Answer 2

3.5-5.1 mEq/L

Question 3

normal calcium level

Answer 3

8.6-10.2 mg/dL

Question 4

normal phosphorus level

Answer 4

2.5-4.0 mg/dL

Question 5

normal magnesium level

Answer 5

1.5-2.5 mEq/L

Question 6

1. most abundant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid?
2. what system is associated/ most effected by this electrolyte?

Answer 6

sodium; neurologic

Question 7

S/S: confusion, irritability, lethargy, seizures, extreme thirst, sticky mucus membranes

must correct SLOWLY. too fast = microwaved brain

Answer 7

hypernatremia

Question 8

S/S: headache, confusion, coma

*can be caused from excessive hypotonic solution administration

correct SLOWLY. too fast = microwaved brain

Answer 8

hyponatremia

Question 9

1. Most abundant in intercellular fluid
2. what system does this electrolyte effect most?

Answer 9

potassium; cardiac

Question 10

potassium is regulated by __________ in the _______ and dietary intake.

Answer 10

aldosterone; kidneys

Question 11

caused by:
kidney failure
metabolic acidosis
potassium sparing diuretics
potassium supplements

Answer 11

hypokalemia

Question 12

S/S: irritability
cramping
diarrhea
ECG abnormalities

severe: cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest

Answer 12

hyperkalemia

Question 13

treatment of severe hyperkalemia

Answer 13

administer polystyrene sulfonate (kayexalate)

Question 14

cause:
excessive vomiting
diarrhea
potassium wasting diuretics
insulin use
lack of potassium in diet

Answer 14

hypokalemia

Question 15

S/S: weakness
arrhythmias
lethargy
thready pulse

WALT

Answer 15

hypokalemia

Question 16

S/S:
nausea
vomiting
constipation
increased thirst
increased urination
skeletal muscle weakness

Answer 16

hypercalcemia

Question 17

cause:
overactive parathyroid gland
cancer

Answer 17

hypercalcemia

Question 18

effects the peripheral nervous system

Answer 18

calcium

Question 19

S/S:
paresthesia
Chvosteks Sign
Trousseaus Sign

Answer 19

Hypocalcemia

Question 20

causes:
diuretic use and removal of parathyroid gland

Answer 20

hypocalcemia

Question 21

numbness/tingling of lips/ tongue, hands/feet, muscle cramps, tetany

Answer 21

paresthesia

Question 22

twitch of facial muscles; occurs when gently tapping cheek, in front of ear

Answer 22

chvosteks sign

Question 23

involuntary contraction of muscles in the hand and wrist that occurs after the compression of the upper arm with a BP cuff

Answer 23

trousseaus sign

Question 24

both hyper and hypo are asymptomatic

Answer 24

phosphorus (hyper-/hypo-phosphatatemia)

Question 25

S/S:
bradycardia
weak and thready pulse
lethargy
tremors
hyporeflexia
muscle weakness
cardiac arrest

Answer 25

hypermagnesia

Question 26

cause:
kidney disease
excessive magnesium intake (laxatives/ antacids)

Answer 26

hypermagnesia

Question 27

S/S:
nausea
vomiting
lethargy
weakness
leg cramps
tremor
dysrhythmias
deep tendon reflexes are effected

Answer 27

hypomagnesia

Question 28

causes:
diuretics
undernutrition
long-term alcohol use

Answer 28

hypomagnesia

Question 29

hypermagnesia = ________ DTR response

Answer 29

decreased

Question 30

hypomagnesia = _________ DTR response

Answer 30

increased