Electrolytes Flashcards
Sodium Normal ECF Concentration
135 mEq/L-145mEq/L
Role of Sodium
Sodium is the key regulator of water balance in the body. Also, Sodium is also involved in establishing electrical gradients that allow for transmission of nerve impulses
Regulation of Sodium
Aldosterone is the principal regulator of sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule and cortical collecting duct
Hyponatremia concentration
Less than 135 mEq/L. Severe is less than 120 mEq/L
Cause of Hyponatermia
INCREASE in free water relative to sodium in the ECF either by true loss of sodium or dilution of sodium by water
Treatment of Hyponatermia
Iso/Hypertonic saline corrected at ≤ 0.5 mEq/L/hr Given SLOWLY so don’t cause demyelination in CNS
Hypernatremia concentration
Greater than 145 mEq/L
Cause of Hypernatermia
Decreased access to free water. Lack of ADH (such as Diabetes Insipidus), or excess sodium intake
Treatment of Hypernatermia
Correct water loss with hypotonic fluids, and/or correct sodium overload with diuretics
Normal Potassium ECF Concentration
3.5 – 5.3 mEq/L
Role of Potassium
Potassium is responsible for maintaining the membrane potential of the cell. Also, Important for muscle/heart contraction, nerve signal transmission, acid/base regulation, and intracellular water/electrolyte balance
Regulation of Potassium
: Potassium is completely filtered in the glomerulus, and about 15% is excreted. Aldosterone causes excretion of Potassium and reabsorption of Sodium
Hypokalemia Concentration
Hypokalemia Causes
Total body loss of K+(GI/renal)
Transcellular shifts in K+
Inadequate intake
Hypokalemia Treatment
If potassium is below 2.6, treat with IV Potassium Chloride. 20 mEq should be diluted into 100 mL NS, and should not be infused faster than 10 mEq/hr in a peripheral IV, and 20 mEq/hr through a Central line. Monitor the EKG continuously