ELECTROLYTES & ACID BASE BALANCE Flashcards
What solution has the same osmolarity as blood?
An ISOTONIC solution.
What solution has a lower osmolarity than blood?
a HYPERTONIC solution.
What solution has a greater osmolarity than blood?
a HYPOTONIC solution.
What hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland to conserve water?
Vasopressin
What are some signs and symptoms of excess fluid?
Bounding pulse, edema, increased urine output, heart failure, elevated BP, and respiratory changes.
What are some interventions for excess fluid volume?
Monitor weight and urine output, place PT. in Fowler position, administer O2, administer diuretics, and restrict fluid and sodium.
What can lead to an electrolyte imbalance?
Dehydration, over-hydration, history of heart/ kidney/ liver disease, incorrect IV fluids, and certain meds.
What is the normal range of Potassium (K+)?
3.5 - 5 mEq/L
What is the normal range for Sodium (Na+)?
136 - 145 mEq/L
What is the normal range for Calcium (Ca2+) ?
9 - 10.5 mg/dL
What is the normal range for Magnesium (Mg2+) ?
1.3 - 2.1 mg/d
A patient comes into the ER and while taking their blood pressure you notice the patient is experiencing TROUSSEAU SIGN. why is the patient experiencing this?
The patient has hypocalcemia
A patients blood work comes back and you notice their potassium levels are at 6.5, is this within normal levels?
No. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 - 5 mEq/L
What is HYPONATREMIA?
Sodium deficit
What is HYPERNATREMIA?
High sodium
What are some signs/ symptoms of a sodium imbalance?
Fluid excess or deficit, changes in mental status, weakness, and nausea/vomiting.
Name a couple examples of food sources with sodium?
Pizza, canned vegetables, canned soups, prepared foods, and salty snacks.
What are some interventions when a sodium inbalance is present?
Monitor intake/output, monitor weight, restrict fluids, and administer diuretics/steroids.
What is HYPOKALEMIA?
Low potassium
What is HYPERKALEMIA?
high potassium
What are some examples of food sources with potassium?
sweet potatoes, beet greens, yogurt, prune juice, bananas, and orange juice.
What are some interventions for HYPOKALEMIA?
treat underlying cause, cardiac electrolyte, offer potassium- rich foods, administer potassium replacement, educate patient on self administered supplements and signs/ symptoms.
What are some interventions for HYPEKALEMIA?
limit dietary potassium, hold potassium supplements, administer insulin with glucose.
What is HYPOCALCEMIA?
low calcium levels
What is HYPERCALCEMIA?
high calcium levels
what are some food sources with calcium?
Canned salmon, spinach, yogurt, cheese, and milk.
What are some signs/symptoms of HYPOCALCEMIA?
Changes in mental status, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and cardiac arrhythmia/arrest.
What are some signs/symptoms of HYPERCALCEMIA?
increased HR/BP, skeletal muscle weakness, & decreased gastrointestinal motility.
What is HYPOMAGNESEMIA?
low magnesium levels
What is HYPERMAGNESEMIA?
high levels of magnesium
what are some signs and symptoms of HYPOMAGNESEMIA?
+ trousseau sign, + Chvostek sign, cardiac arrhythmia/ arrest.
What are some interventions a nurse could do for HYPERMAGNESEMIA?
administer IV fluids & dialysis & loop diuretics.
What is HYPOVOLEMIA?
decrease in blood volume w/in the body due to loss of body fluids or blood.
What are some causes of HYPOVOLEMIA?
excess sweating, large burns, diuretics, inadequate fluid intake, and increased urination.
What are some symptoms of untreated HYPOVOLEMIA?
blue discoloration of lips/nail beds, tachycardia/ tachypnea, decreased BP, no urine production, & weak pulse.
What is HYPERVOLEMIA?
fluid overload/excess
What is the ACID-BASE BALANCE?
the correct balance of acidic & basic (alkaline) compounds in the blood.
Why does ACIDOSIS happen?
occurs when the levels of acid in the blood are too high (CO2)
why does ALKALOSIS occur?
occurs when the blood becomes to alkaline (bicarbonate HCO3)
What are some causes of metabolic acidosis?
kidney disease, lactic acidosis, diabetic acidosis, & severe diarrhea/ dehydration.
what are some common causes of metabolic ALKALOSIS?
diuretics overuse, excess vomiting, antacids, ingestion of HCO3, laxatives, heart/kidney/ liver failure, & quick loss of potassium/sodium from the body.
What is RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS?
occurs when the carbon dioxide levels in the body drop too low & may be a result of breathing too fast/ too deep.
what is RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS?
when the lungs CANNOT REMOVE enough CO2 from the body.
What are some common causes of respiratory ACIDOSIS?
airways diseases like asthma or COPD
diseases that affect chest and breathing like scoliosis
meds that suppress breathing (ex. Narcotics)
severe obesity
OSA (obstructive sleep apnea)
What happens to pH balance when respiratory ACIDOSIS occurs?
pH drops, CO2 increases, and HCO3 stays neutral or nothing changes.
What happens to pH balance when respiratory ALKALOSIS occurs?
pH increases, CO2 drops, HCO3 remains neutral/stays the same.
What happens to pH balance when metabolic ACIDOSIS occurs?
pH drops, CO2 stays neutral/remains the same, HCO3 drops
What happens to pH balance when metabolic ALKALOSIS occurs?
pH increases, CO2 stays neutral/remains the same, HCO3 increases.
What are some the functions of magnesium?
functions of both cardiac & skeletal muscles
help maintain normal Ca2+ levels
What are some of the functions of calcium?
help release neurotransmitters from neurons
help release hormones from endocrine glands
help with blood clotting
what is intake?
amount taken in by a patient.
What is output?
output is the amount produced by the body of the patient
How often should intake/output be recorded?
Every 8 hrs (or per facility protocol)
