Electrolytes Flashcards

(48 cards)

1
Q

Functions of Electrolytes

A

Promote neuromuscular irritability

Regulate acid & base balance

Regulate distribution of body fluids among body compartments

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2
Q

These electrolytes are most common in Intracellular fluid

A

Prevalent cation is K+

Prevalent anion is Phosphate

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3
Q

These electrolytes are the most common in extracellular fluid

A

Prevalent cation is Na+

Prevalent anion is Cl-

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4
Q

Functions of Sodium

A

Attracts fluid and helps preserve fluid volume

Combines with chloride and bicarbonate to regulate acid-base balance

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5
Q

Who am I: (blank increases) then - Increase thirst – increase ADH, kidneys retain water, dilutes blood and normalizes serum osmolality

A

Sodium

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6
Q

Who am I: (Blank Decreases)– ADH suppression, kidneys excrete more water to restore normal serum osmolality

A

Sodium

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7
Q

(BLANK) regulates ECF sodium balance via feedback loop – adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone, stimulates renal tubules to conserve water and sodium when serum sodium low – normalizes ECF sodium level.

A

Aldostereone

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8
Q

Untreated changes in (BLANK) levels can lead to serious cardiac and neuromuscular problems

A

Potassium

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9
Q

PH: (BLANK) –> hyperkalemia (K+ moves out of cells)

A

Acidosis

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10
Q

PH: (BLANK)–> hypokalemia (K+ moves into cells)

A

Alkalosis

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11
Q

S.U.C.T.I.O.N.

A
Skeletal muscle weakness
U wave (EKG changes)
Constipation, ileus
Toxicity of digitalis glycosides
Irregular, weak pulse
Orthostatic hypotension
Numbness (paresthesia)
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12
Q

S.U.C.T.I.O.N. reflects (blank)

A

Hypokalemia

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13
Q

S.A.L.T.

A

Skin flushed
Agitation
Low grade fever
Thirst

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14
Q

SALT reflects (BLANK)

A

Hypernatremia

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15
Q

More symptoms of Hypernatremia

A
Restlessness
Dry, sticky mucous membranes, rough/dry tongue
Tachycardia
Lethargy
Seizures/Coma
Impaired LOC
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16
Q

Interventions for Hypernatremia

A
Correct underlying disorder
Gradual fluid replacement
Monitor for s/s of cerebral edema
Monitor serum Na+ level
Seizure precautions
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17
Q

Causes of Hypernatremia

A

May be caused by water deficit or over-ingestion of Na+
Also may result from diabetes insipidus
Renal Dysfunction

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18
Q

When high levels of (blank) occurs, fluid shifts outside the cells

A

Sodium

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19
Q

Nursing interventions for hyponatremia

A

Restrict fluid intake for hyper/isovolemic hyponatremia

IV fluids and/or increased po Na+ intake for hypovolemic hyponatremia

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20
Q

Nursing Interventions for severe hyponatremia

A

Infuse hypertonic NaCl solution (3% or 5% NaCl)
Furosemide to remove excess fluid
Monitor client in ICU

21
Q

Can be caused by GI losses, diarrhea, insufficient intake, non-K+ sparing diuretics (thiazide, furosemide)

22
Q

Hypokalemia Nursing Interventions

A
Increase dietary K+
Oral KCl supplements
IV K+ replacement – Do not give IV push
Change to K+-sparing diuretic
Monitor EKG changes
23
Q

Renal dysfunction is most common cause
Renal failure
Addison’s disease
Adrenocortical insufficiency

A

Hypermagnesemia

24
Q

Role in cell membrane permeability

25
Affects cardiac muscle contraction | Participates in blood clotting
calcium
26
Signs and Symptoms of (Blank) Decreased neuromuscular activity Generalized weakness Occasionally nausea/vomiting
Hypermagnesemia
27
Hypomagnesemia cardiovascular symptoms
Tachycardia Hypertension EKG changes
28
Hypomagnesemia GI symptoms
Dysphagia Anorexia Nausea/vomiting
29
Hypomagnesemia CNS/Neuromuscular symptoms
``` Altered LOC Confusion Hallucinations Muscle weakness Leg/foot cramps Tetany ```
30
Calcium Regulation
Affected by body stores of Ca++ and by dietary intake & Vitamin D intake Parathyroid hormone draws Ca++ from bones increasing low serum levels (Parathyroid pulls) With high Ca++ levels, calcitonin is released by the thyroid to inhibit calcium loss from bone (Calcitonin keeps)
31
Hyperkalemia: Nursing interventions for mild cases
``` Loop diuretics (Lasix) Dietary restriction ```
32
Hyperkalemia: (BLANK DRUG) is utilized for moderate cases
Kayexalate | *10 %Potassium only excreted by bowel, rest via kidneys
33
What is kayexalate?
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (kayexalate) is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. As the resin passes through the gastrointestinal tract, the resin removes the potassium ions by exchanging it for sodium ions. Onset is 2-12hours...in severe cases of hyperkalemia kayexalate not utilized as wanting a faster/more reliable effect
34
Emergency Interventions for Hyperkalemia
10% calcium gluconate for cardiac effects | Sodium bicarbonate for acidosis
35
Why utilize calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia
The calcium gluconate is used as a protector for the cardiac cells. They are very fragile and we need to protect their electric conductivity. This has a short duration of action
36
Who am I: Role in protein synthesis & carbohydrate metabolism Helps cardiovascular system function (vasodilation) Regulates muscle contractions
Magnesium
37
Who am I: | Helps produce ATP
Magnesium
38
Caused by poor dietary intake, poor GI absorption, excessive GI/urinary losses
Hypomagnesemia
39
``` High Risk Individuals for (blank) Chronic alcoholism Malabsorption GI/urinary system disorders Sepsis Burns Wounds needing debridement ```
Hypomagnesemia
40
Nursing Interventions for Hypermagnesemia
Increased fluids if renal function normal Loop diuretic if no response to fluids Calcium gluconate for toxicity Mechanical ventilation for respiratory depression Hemodialysis (Mg++-free dialysate)
41
Who am I: 99% in bones, 1% in serum and soft tissue Works with phosphorus to form bones and teeth
Calcium
42
Symptoms of Hypocalcemia
Neuromuscular: Anxiety, confusion, irritability, muscle twitching, paresthesia (mouth, fingers, toes), tetany Fractures Diarrhea Diminished response to digoxin EKG changes
43
Causes of Hypocalcemia
Caused by inadequate intake, malabsorption, pancreatitis, thyroid or parathyroid surgery, loop diuretics, low magnesium levels
44
Nursing Interventions for Hypocalcemia
Calcium gluconate for postop thyroid or parathyroid client Cardiac monitoring Oral or IV calcium replacement
45
Nursing Interventions for Hypomagnesemia
Use infusion pump Monitor vital signs for hypotension and respiratory distress Monitor serum Mg++ level q6h Cardiac monitoring Calcium gluconate as an antidote for overdosage
46
Two major causes of hypercalcemia
Cancer | Hyperparathyroidism
47
Signs and Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
``` Fatigue, confusion, lethargy, coma Muscle weakness, hyporeflexia Bradycardia  cardiac arrest Anorexia, nausea/vomiting, decreased bowel sounds, constipation Polyuria, renal calculi, renal failure ```
48
``` Who am I: Nursing Interventions: If asymptomatic, treat underlying cause Hydrate the patient to encourage diuresis Loop diuretics Corticosteroids ```
Hypercalcemia