Electrolytes Flashcards

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)

A

Hypokalemia

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

A

calcium

25
Q

Affects cardiac muscle contraction

Participates in blood clotting

A

calcium

26
Q

Signs and Symptoms of (Blank)

Decreased neuromuscular activity
Generalized weakness
Occasionally nausea/vomiting

A

Hypermagnesemia

27
Q

Hypomagnesemia cardiovascular symptoms

A

Tachycardia
Hypertension
EKG changes

28
Q

Hypomagnesemia GI symptoms

A

Dysphagia
Anorexia
Nausea/vomiting

29
Q

Hypomagnesemia CNS/Neuromuscular symptoms

A
Altered LOC
Confusion
Hallucinations
Muscle weakness
Leg/foot cramps
Tetany
30
Q

Calcium Regulation

A

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
Q

Hyperkalemia: Nursing interventions for mild cases

A
Loop diuretics (Lasix)
Dietary restriction
32
Q

Hyperkalemia: (BLANK DRUG) is utilized for moderate cases

A

Kayexalate

*10 %Potassium only excreted by bowel, rest via kidneys

33
Q

What is kayexalate?

A

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
Q

Emergency Interventions for Hyperkalemia

A

10% calcium gluconate for cardiac effects

Sodium bicarbonate for acidosis

35
Q

Why utilize calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia

A

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
Q

Who am I:
Role in protein synthesis & carbohydrate metabolism
Helps cardiovascular system function (vasodilation)
Regulates muscle contractions

A

Magnesium

37
Q

Who am I:

Helps produce ATP

A

Magnesium

38
Q

Caused by poor dietary intake, poor GI absorption, excessive GI/urinary losses

A

Hypomagnesemia

39
Q
High Risk Individuals for (blank)
Chronic alcoholism
Malabsorption
GI/urinary system disorders
Sepsis
Burns
Wounds needing debridement
A

Hypomagnesemia

40
Q

Nursing Interventions for Hypermagnesemia

A

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
Q

Who am I:
99% in bones, 1% in serum and soft tissue
Works with phosphorus to form bones and teeth

A

Calcium

42
Q

Symptoms of Hypocalcemia

A

Neuromuscular:
Anxiety, confusion, irritability, muscle twitching, paresthesia (mouth, fingers, toes), tetany

Fractures
Diarrhea
Diminished response to digoxin
EKG changes

43
Q

Causes of Hypocalcemia

A

Caused by inadequate intake, malabsorption, pancreatitis, thyroid or parathyroid surgery, loop diuretics, low magnesium levels

44
Q

Nursing Interventions for Hypocalcemia

A

Calcium gluconate for postop thyroid or parathyroid client
Cardiac monitoring
Oral or IV calcium replacement

45
Q

Nursing Interventions for Hypomagnesemia

A

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
Q

Two major causes of hypercalcemia

A

Cancer

Hyperparathyroidism

47
Q

Signs and Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

A
Fatigue, confusion, lethargy, coma
Muscle weakness, hyporeflexia
Bradycardia  cardiac arrest
Anorexia, nausea/vomiting, decreased bowel sounds, constipation
Polyuria, renal calculi, renal failure
48
Q
Who am I:
Nursing Interventions:
If asymptomatic, treat underlying cause
Hydrate the patient to encourage diuresis
Loop diuretics
Corticosteroids
A

Hypercalcemia