Exam 1 Flashcards
Potassium Ranges (hypo/hyperkalemia)
3.5 - 5.3 mEq/L
Normal Sodium Ranges
135 - 145 mEq/L
Normal Calcium Range
9 - 11 mg/dL
Serum Osmolality normal range
275-295 mOsm/Kg
Hematocrit - males normal range
41% - 50%
Hematocrit - females normal range
36% - 48%
Chloride Ranges
95-105 mEq/L
Phosphorus Range
2.5 - 4.5 mg/dL
Magnesium Range
1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L
pH range
7.35 - 7.45 (acidosis to alkalosis)
PaCO2 range
35 - 45 (alkalosis to acidosis)
PaO2 range
75-100
HCO3
24 - 28 (acidosis to alkalosis)
Base Excess (BE)
-3 to +3
ROME
Respiratory
Opposite Direction (pH and CO2)
Metabolic
Equal (same direction) (pH and HCO3)
How is Sodium (Na+) regulated?
Renal reabsorption or excretion.
ADH (AntiDiuretic Hormone) keeps urine, which dilutes Na+.
Aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption in the collecting duct of nephrons, which increases Na+
What is the function of Sodium (Na+)
Hypo/Hyper effect the neurological system!!
Major regulator of water balance
Regulates ECF volume and distribution
Maintains blood volume
Transmits nerve impulses
Contracts muscles
Hyponatremia Clinical Manifestations
<135
>Usually due to drains (NG tube or suctioning) diuretic use, fluid loss, diarrhea, sweating (diaphoresis)
>Results in muscle cramps, tremors, confusion, seizures
Hyponatremia types
2 mains of hyponatremia:
1. Hypovolemic –> loss of fluid and sodium TOGETHER
2. Hypervolemic –> excess amount of water
Hyponatremia RN Assessment
Mild –> fatigue, nausea vomiting, headache
Medium –> General malaise, altered LOC, lethargy
High –> Seizures, coma, respiratory arrest
Hyponatremia Signs & Symptoms
Heart –>
Hypovolemic: increased HR, Decreased BP, Increased RR
Hypervolemic: increased HR, Increased BP, Decreased RR
ST Elevations on ECG b/c the ventricles are cramping up
SOB and dyspnea
Nausea vomiting and abdominal cramping
Restlessness and confusion, which leads to seizures and coma
Addison’s Disease
Hyponatremia RN Interventions
Add salt!
>Administer IV saline sol’n (depending on what type of hyponatremia). Isotonic for hypovolemia.
>Diuretics or dialysis if there is hypervolemia.
> daily weights
> safety –> orthostatic hypertension risk
> Airway precuation –> patient is probably NPO due to confusion
> Limit water intake for patients with hypervolemic hyponatremia
>Teach about high salt diet -> avoid salad dressing, sauces, canned veggie juices, chinese food/ cup of noodle soup
Hypernatremia
Na+ > 145 mEq/L
Sodium maintains blood pressure and blood volume
Caused by:
Loss of fluid (infection, diarrhea, persistent sweating)
Diabetes –> dehydrates because it causes ADH insufficiency
Sodium Excretion Impaired –> Renal problems (caused by corticosteroids sometimes)
Too much processed foods
Deprivation of fluids (hemoconcentration)
IV Hypertonic sol’n excess (too much 3-5% saline)
Vitamins / sodium supplements like alka seltzer, aspirin, cough syrups
Aldosterone excess –>
(hypercortisolism) holds Na+ in the body, resulting in weight gain and moon face (Cushings’ disease)
Hypernatremia Signs & Symptoms
High Sodium –> Big and Bloated
no “FRIED” foods for you!
F: fever,flushed skin
R: Restlesness/confused
I: increased fluid retention
E: extremely confused
D: decreased urinary output, dry skin
Hypernatremia Nursing Interventions
> Restrict Na+ Intake from diet
Patient safety – they’re confused and agitated
MD may order an isotonic or hypotonic IV sol’n like 0.45% NS given slowly to rehydrate the cell. the patient is at risk for cerebral edema if given too quickly (confusion is an initial sign).
Educate about diet and signs/symptoms of increased salt level
Function of Potassium
Hypo/Hyper affects the cardiac system!
Vital for skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle regulation.
It’s concentrated mostly inside the cell (ICF).
Maintains acid/base balance.
Helps transmit nerve and other electrical impulses.
How is Potassium (K+) regulated?
Renal excretion and conservation.
Aldosterone increases K+ excretion.
Insulin helps move K+ into the cells.
Tissue damage and acidosis shift K+ out of the cells and into the ECF.
Hypokalemia (Causes)
< 3.5 mEq/L; <=2.5 is DANGEROUS!!
Caused by: “DITCH”
D: drugs, such as laxatives, diuretics, or corticosteroids
I: inadequate intake, due to NPO, anorexia, or really sick and not eating.
T: too much water intake dilutes K+
C: Cushing Syndrome = too much aldosterone
H: heavy fluid loss due to NG suction, vomiting, diarrhea, wounds
also hyper-insulinism
Hypokalemia S&S
Everything is slow & low
K+ plays an important role in muscle and nerve conduction. So, low K+ becomes slow and low (exhausted body):
weak, thready pulse
orthostatic HTN
Decreased bowl sounds
decreased deep tendon reflexes
flaccid paralysis (late with very low paralysis)
confusion
Shallow respirations/ diminished breath sounds (no K+ means low ability of accessory muscles)
7Ls:
Lethargic
Low/shallow breathing
Lethal cardiac changes
Loss of urine (diuretics)
Leg cramps
limp muscles
low BP & HR
EKG –> depressed ST segment, flat or inverted T wave, prominent U wave
Hypokalemia RN Interventions
Monitor:
> Heart rhythms
> respiratory status
> GI & Renal status
> I/O
> Magnesium (Mg+ and K+ are linked)
> Glucose, Ca2+, Na+ because of the roles in cell transport
> K+ supplement for 2.5 - 3.5; give with food to avoid GI upset
> K+ infusion for <2.5; this is NEVER given as an IV Push, or IM or SubQ. Give slowly via IV. no more than 20 mEq/L per hour. Watch for phlebitis and infiltration
> Hold diuretics that waste K+ and cause urination. Notify the MD. May switch to K+ sparing such as spironolactone/aldactone, dyazide, maxide, triamterene.
> Check apical pulse and AM labs before giving digoxin.
Potassium rich foods
“Potassium”
P = Potatoes, pork
O = oranges
T = tomatoes
A = avocados
S = strawberries
S = Spinach
I = fish
U = mushrooms
M = melons / cantaloupe
Also carrots, raisins, bananas
Hyperkalemia
<5.0; if >=7.0 DANGEROUS
Causes: body “CARED” too much for K+”
C = cellular mov’t of K+ from ICF to ECF due to trauma like burns/tissue damage/ acidosis
A = Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
R = renal failure
E = excessive K+ intake
D = drugs (K+ sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, Ace Inhibitors)
Hyperkalemia S &S
“MURDER”
M = muscle weakness
U = low Urine production
R = respiratory failure due to muscle weakness or seizures
D = decreased cardiac contractility (weak pulse, low BP)
E = early signs of muscle twitching / cramping. Late sign is profound muscle weakness
R = rhythm changes: tall, peaked T wave; flat P wave; wide QRS; prolonged PR interval
Hyperkalemia RN interventions
Monitor cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, and GI status
Stop IV K+ infusions and hold supplements
Initiate K+ restricted diet
Prepare patient for dialysis
Kayexalate sometimes order PO or enema; it causes GI N+ absorption which promotes K+ excretion
MD may switch to K+ wasting diuretics (thiazides or lasiz/furosemide)
MD may order hypertonic sol’n or glucose and insulin to pull K+ back into the cell.
Calcium Regulation
PTH (ParaThyroid Hormone) and Calcitriol increase serum Ca2+ levels
Calcitonin decreases Ca2+ levels
Calcium Function
Vital in regulating muscle contraction, neuromuscular function, and cardiac function.
Sedative effect on neuromuscular transmission!
Forms bones and teeth
Transmits nerve impulses
Maintains cardiac pacemaker (automaticity)
Blood clotting
Actives enzymes such as pancreatic lipase and phospholipase
Ca2+ and Mg+ are aligned
Ca2+ and Phosphate are opposite
Hypocalcemia
<9.0
Manifestations:
Trousseau’s
Chvostek’s
3 Bs: Bones, Blood, heart Beats
Causes: “LOW CALI”
L: low PTH due to a thyroidectomy, pancreatitis
O: oral meds, such as corticosteroids, anti-seizure meds such as dilantin and phenobarbital; Phosphate enemas, Citrate (anticoagulant used in blood products)
W: wound drain (GI wounds)
C: chronic diseases like celiac and crohn’s/ chronic kidney issues, diuretics
A: antibiotics
L: low Vit D or Mg2+ levels
I: Increased Phosphate in the blood
hypocalcemia S&S
Weak bones / fractures
Weak clotting
Weak heart beats / dysrhythmias
Heart: excitability = ventricular tachycardia
EKG: prolonged QT and ST
Slow clotting factors
Lungs = narrowing of the windpipe, stridor
Dyspnea and crackles
GI = massive diarrhea, intestinal cramping
Neurological == seizures, confusion, personality changes, dementia, psychosis
Musculoskeletal:
Trousseau’s and Chvostek’s
Hypocalcemia Nursing Interventions
“FAST”
F = foods high in calcium: Leafy greens, sardines/tofu, dairy
A = Administer meds like calcium acetate, IV Calcium, Oral Calcium with vit D, aluminum hydroxide
S = safety, risk for falls/fracture/ bleeding. Fracture precautions / fall precautions
low clotting factors / risk for bleeding. Don’t bear down when pooping!
cardiac dysrhythmias
T = Teach
take Ca2+ boosters and avoid Ca2+ depletors like laxatives and loop diuretics.
Magnesium Regulation
Kidneys conserve and excrete Mg2+
Intestinal absorption is increased by Vit D and PTH (which means the serum levels are reduced by Vit D and PTH)
Magnesium Function
Relaxes muscle contractions!
Important for DNA synthesis, regulates cardiac & neuromuscular function
Intracellular Metabolism (transfer & store energy)
Operates the Na+ / K+ pump
Transmits nerve impulses
Regulates cardiac function
Regulates PTH, which regulates Ca2+
Metabolizes carbs, lipids, proteins
Regulates BP
Absorbed in the small intestine and excreted via the kidneys
Hypomagnasemia
<1.6 mg/dL
Causes: “LOW MAG”
L = Limited intake of Mg+ due to starvation
O = other electrolyte issues, such as hypOcalcemia and hypOkalemia
W= wasting Mg+ in the kidneys –> loop/furosemide or thiazide diuretics, cyclosporines
M = malabsorption issues due to Crohn’s, Celiac, vomiting.
Also proton-pump inhibitors like protonix, prilosec, any that end in ‘zole’ like Prazole
A = Alcoholism due to poor dietary habits, and alcohol stimulates the kidney to waste Mg+, and causes acute pancreatitis
G = Glycemic Issues, for example patients in DKA or who need insulin
hypomagnasemia S&S
“TWITCHING”
Neuromuscular excitability
T = Trousseau’s
W = weak respirations
I = irritability
T = torsades de pointes: goes along with alcoholism. It’s a lethal, abnormal heart rhythm. Tetany = abnormal twitching
C = Cardiac changes: moderately low = tall T waves and depressed ST segments
Severely low = prolonged PR and QT intervals with wide QRS complexes.
Wide QT –> Torsades indicator
also Chvostek’s
H = HTN and Hyper-reflexia
I = involuntary movement
N = nousea
G = GI issues - decreased bowel sounds and mobility
Hypomagnasemia RN Interventions
Monitor cardiac, GI, respiratory, neuro status
Put them on a cardiac monitor for EKG changes
MD might order K+ supplements, Ca2+ supplements w/ Vit D
*Administer Mg Sulfate IV infusion. Have to monitor the Mg levels very closely to avoid hypermagnasemia. Check deep tendon reflexes. Hypomagnasemia = lots of reflexes; if you get to hypermagnasemia they’re absent.
Seizure precautions
Oral Mg may cause diarrhea
Foods high in Mg+
Avocado
Green leafy veggies
Peanut butter and pork
Fish (canned tuna, mackeral)
Dark chocolate
Cauliflower
Legumes
nuts
Oranges
Milk
Hypermagnesemia
> 2.6 mg/dL
Causes: “MAG”
This is less common than hypomagnasemia. Can happen if you’re trying to correct hypomag.
M = Mg+ containing antacids and laxatives like magnesium sulfate - mylanta or malox
A = Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
G = Glomerular filtration insufficiency or renal failure. Filtration <30mL/min. Kidneys are conserving too much Mg+.
Hypermagnasemia S&S
Mild cases are without symptoms. Symptoms only present with very high Mg+ levels.
“LETHARGIC”
L = profound lethargy
E = EKG changes: PR and QT interval prolonged and wide QRS complex
T = tendon reflexes are absent / dimished
H = hypOtension
A = Arrhythmias, such as bradycardia or heart blocks
R = respiratory arrest
G = GI issues like nausea and vomiting
I = impaired breathing due to the weakness of the skeletal muscles
C = Cardiac Arrest
Hypermagnasemia RN Interventions
Monitor cardiac, respiratory, neuro, GI, renal system. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor for EKG changes.
Ensure patient safety due to lethargy / drowsiness
Prevention: avoid giving the patient renal failure due to excessive Mg+ containing antacids / laxatives, checking for high Mg+ during infusions, not giving foods high in Mg+
MD order of K+ wasting diuretics like furosemide/lasix (loop diuretics)
If in renal failure, prep for dialysis
IV Ca2+ can be ordered to reverse side effects of Mg+, although have to watch for infiltration. A central line is preferred for this.
Chloride (Cl-) Regulation
Excreted and reabsorbed along with Na+ in the kidneys
Aldosterone increases chloride reabsorption with Sodium
Chloride (Cl-) Function
Linked with Na+ –> same impacts
HCl production - aids in digestion
Helps Na+ maintain ECF balance and vascular volume
Regulates acid/base balance
Buggers O2 / CO2 exchange in RBCs
Hypochloremia
<97
Causes: “CHAMP”
C: Chloride loss from fluid loss, like vomiting, diarrhea, NGT suctioning, sweating, fever, or burns
H: HypOnatremia
A: Addison’s disease and renal crisis
M: Medications such as diuretics
P: pH imbalances from metabolic alkalosis (fluid loss from GI from vomiting)
Hypochloremia S&S
Same as hypOnatremia!
Generally depressed and deflated.
Hypotension (low BP)
EKG: dysrhythmias
Respiratory: depressed and deflated – dyspnea from a deflated diaphragm muscle
SOB
Neugological depressed – agitation, irritability, seizures, coma, confusion
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Musculoskeletal: tremors and muscle cramps
Hypochloremia RN interventions
Give salt, because Cl- will follow salt!
IV NS or 0.45% NS
Avoid free water
Hyperchloremia
> 107
Same as hypERnatremia
Causes:
Trauma (head injury)
Dehydration
Hyperparathyroidism
Respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilating)
Hyperchloremia S&S
Same as hypERnatremia (big and bloated!)
Hypertension
EKG: dysrthythmias
Lung: tachypnea, respiratory alkalosis
Neurological: ICP, cognitive changes, altered level of consciousness
GI: diarrhea, diuresis, dehydration
MSK: muscle weakness
Hyperchloremia RN interventions
Treat the causes!
Restore fluid imbalance via IV LR (lactated ringers) or Sodium Bicarbonate
Phosphate Regulation
2.5 - 4.5 mg/dL
Excretion and reabsorption by the kidneys
PTH decreases phosphate levels by increasing renal excretion
Opposite relationship with Ca2+ –> increasing Ca2+ will decrease phosphate levels and vice versa
Vit D plays a role in phosphate absorption
Phosphate functions
forming bones and teeth (stored mainly in the bone)
Metabolizes carbs, proteins, and fats
Cellular metabolism: producing ATP and DNA
Muscle, nerve, and RBC function
Regulate acid/base
Regulate Ca2+ levels
Hypophosphatemia Causes
<2.7 mg/dL
low “PHOSPHATE”
P = Pharmacy: aluminum hydroxide and aluminum based antacids cause malabsorption which reduces phosphate absorption. Also, lack of Vit D.
H = Hyperparathyroidism: PTH is too high in the serum, which inhibits the reabsorption of phosphate in the kidneys and it is excreted.
O = oncogenic osteomalacia –> kidneys waste phosphate due to bones softening.
S = syndrome of refeeding. Watch for this on patients TPN; occurs in malnutrition or starvation pathologies. The body was in starvation mode and when it gets nutrients, it releases way too much insulin. It then releases phosphate and magnesium to help digest (but they were already too low to begin with)
P: pulmonary issues due to respiratory alkalosis b/c phosphate moves out of the blood and into the cell.
H: Hyperglycemia leads to glycosuria, polyuria, and ketoacidosis. Causes the kidney to waste phosphate.
A: Alcoholism impacts the body’s ability to absorb phosphate. plus, alcoholism is associated with malnutrition.
T: thermal burns – extreme burns causes a shift of phosphate out of the blood and into the cells.
E: electrolyte imbalances cause low phosphate levels like hypERcalcemia, hypOmagnasemia, and hypOkalemia.
Hypophosphatemia S&S
“BROKEN” (the patient is at risk for bone fractures and every system of the body is breaking down!)
B = breathing problems due to muscle weakness
R = Rhabdomyolysis, an electrolyte disturbance due to low levels of Phosphate, K+. Affects the muscles and causes rapid necrosis of the muscles. This releases myoglobulin into the blood, which is toxic to the kidneys causing tea-colored urine, muscle-weakness, and pain.
also deep tendon reflexes will decrease
O = osteomalacia: bone fractures, deformities
Also, Cardiac outpute is decreased
K= kills immune system through decreased platelet aggregation (increased bleeding)
E = extreme weakness and ecchymoses ( due to decreased platelets)
N = neuro changes such as irritability, confusion, seizures
Hypophosphatemia RN Interventions
MD orders oral phosphorous w/ vit D to help with absorbption
Monitor patients on TPN for muscle pain and weakness (rhabdomyolosis), also re-feeding syndrome
Ensure patient safety (bed down, call light in reach) due to risk for fractures and confusion
Encourage foods rich in phosphate
If <1.7 the MD may order IV phosphate. Be careful with patients who are in renal failure, because they can’t clear the phosphate.
Monitor Ca2+ level, as this can decrease if the phosphate gets higher.
Monitor phosphate levels to avoid hyperphosphatemia
Monitor EKG changes
Foods rich in Phosphate
Fish
Organ meats
Nuts
Pork
Beef
Whole grains
(essentially meat)
Hyperphosphatemia Causes
> 4.5 mg/dL
“PHOSHI” –> note that Phoslo is a phosphate binding drug that patients in renal failure take to keep phosphate low (because the kidneys can’t get rid of phosphate anymore)
P: Phospho-soda overuse. Laxatives and enema overuse
H: HypOparathyroidism causes high phos levels due to PTH being too low. PTH causes the kidneys to keep too much phosphate.
O: overuse of Vit D, which supports absorption of phosphate
S: syndrome of tumor lysis, which occurs with chemo. Chemo kills off good and bad cells. This lets out the phosphate which is normally inside the cell into the ECF.
H: rHabdomyolysis –> rapid necrosis of muscles. Dead muscles release myoglobulin into the blood, which is toxic to the kidneys, which sends the patient into renal failure and phosphate excretion is decreased.
I: insuffiency of the kidneys (ESRF) which means phosphate won’t be excreted.
Hyperphosphatemia S&S
Same as the symptoms of hypOcalcemia
Confusion
Hyperactive reflexes
Anorexia
Muscle spasms in calves/feet, seizures, tetany
Positive Trousseau’s sign and Chvostek’s sign
Hyperphosphatemia RN Interventions
Administer phosphate-binding drugs (Phoslo) which works on the GI system. Give with food or right after a meal.
Don’t give phosphate laxatives or enemas.
Restrict foods that are high in phosphorous.
Prepare patient for dialysis due to renal failure.
Bicarbonate (HCO3-) regulation
Excretion and reabsorption by the kidneys
Regeneration by the kidneys
Bicarbonate Function
Major body buffer involved in acid/base regulation
Isotonic
Isotonic IV Solutions: 0.9 NS, LR, D5W
Hypertonic
Hypertonic IV Solutions: D5 LR, D10W, D20W, D50W, D5 0.45%, D5 NS, 3% NaCl, 5 % NaCl
Hypotonic
Hypotonic solutions have less salt (lower osmolality) than the cells, so water goes into the cell.
1/2 NS or 0.45%
1/3 NS or 0.33%
1/4 or 0.25% NS
NEVER use with ICP patients
NEVER use with diabetics who are at risk for HYPERglycemia
Used to help with cellular dehydration, which is when the cells are thirsty – hypERnatremia and HHNS (type 2 diabetic disorder with uncontrolled high blood sugar, which causes cellular dehydration).
Also used with DKA (type 1 diabetics; involves burning ketones instead of sugar for energy –> causes dehydrated cells)
D5W
isotonic in the bag
Hypotonic in the body
due to sugar!
NEVER use with diabetics who are at risk for HYPERglycemia
Hypotonic RN Interventions
NEVER given for ICP patients
Give SLOWLY to prevent cellular edema
Watch out for hypovolemia signs and symptoms such as tachycardia, decreased BP, cellular edema, and cell damage.
Be cautious with liver disease, trauma, burn patients.
HypERtonic fluid
The fluid is escaping from inside the cell to outside the cell.
Hypertonic solutions have higher concentrations than the ICF. Thick, concentrated solution - higher osmolality.
Will pull fluids out of the cells and making the cell more skinny.
3% NS
5% NS
D10W
D5.5 NS
D5LR
D50W
Used for hypOvolemia, heat related (heat exhaustion)
HypERtonic RN Interventions
Infuse slowly, no boluses! too quick could cause a massive fluid shift that can domino into cellular dehydration and fluid volume overload.
S&S –> bounding pulses, high BP, jugular vein distention, crackles, edema.