Exam 1 - Module 3 - Electrolyte Imbalances

Question 1

normal values - Na+ - Sodium

Answer 1

135 - 145 mEg/L

Question 2

normal values K+ - Potassium

Answer 2

3.5 - 4.0 mEg/L

Question 3

normal values Mg+ - Magnesium

Answer 3

1.5 - 2.5 mEg/L

Question 4

normal values Ca++ - Calcium

Answer 4

8.6 - 10.2 - mg/dL

Question 5

normal values Cl- Chloride

Answer 5

96 - 106 mEq/L

Question 6

normal values P- Phosporous

Answer 6

2.4 - 4.4 mEq/L

Question 7

signs of hypochloremia - low chloride

Answer 7

-tremors
-twitching
- fluid overload
- diuretic therapy

Question 8

signs of hyperchloremia - high chloride

Answer 8

-weakness
-lethargy
- metabolic acidosis
- respiratory alkalosis

Question 9

functions of chloride

Answer 9

major contributor of acid-base balance

follows around sodium

Question 10

functions of sodium

Answer 10

• maintains fluid volume balance
• maintains plasma osmolality
• where sodium goes water will follow
• sodium is there for neuromuscular irritability - conduction of nerve impulses
• controlled by the hormone aldosterone

Question 11

signs of hypernatremia - high sodium

Answer 11

Signs/Symptoms
-H20 loss - dehydration
- kidney disease
-Na Gain - dry sticky mucous membranes
-flushed
-cells shrink
-water diarrhea
-loss of sensation of thirst
- edema

Question 12

signs of hyponatremia - low sodium

Answer 12

-muscle weakness
- fluid overload (dilutes sodium)
-headaches
-confusion
-rapid IV fluids without added sodium, causes glucose to break into CO2 and H20 forms a hypotonic solution and dilution
- these actions work together to increase reabsorption of sodium by the kidneys, resulting in an increase in the sodium level

Question 13

functions of Potassium - K+

Answer 13

• major component of ICF
• NEVER ADMINISTER POTASSIUM VIA IV PUSH
• DO NOT ADMINSTER UNDILUTED
• intracellular electrical neutrality in relation to Na+ and H
• makes things more acidosis which effects the heart
• normal cardiac rhythms
• effects the heart the most
• kidneys help regular potassium
• patients with renal failure have high potassium levels because they can not excrete urine
• acidosis pushes the potassium out into the ECF
• alkalosis shifts potassium into the ICF
• as sodium moves into the cell potassium moves out

Question 14

what drug gets rid of K+ - potassium

Answer 14

K xylite - get potassium out of the cells ban back into the vascular system

Question 15

Signs of Hypokalemia - Low Potassium

Answer 15

-skeletal muscle weakness
- diuretic therapy
- fluid overload (dilutes potassium)
- cardiac dysthythmias
- shallow T wave

Question 16

signs of Hyperkalemia - high potassium

Answer 16

• rare because of efficient renal excretion
• widened QRS

Question 17

functions of calcium

Answer 17

• most abundant mineral
• bone and teeth formation
• transmission of nerve impulses
• muscle contraction

Question 18

signs of hypocalcemia - low calcium

Answer 18

• increased neuromuscular excitability
• twitching
  seizures
• vitamin D deficiency
• life threatening - convulsions and tetany

Question 19

signs of hypercalcemia - high calcium

Answer 19

causes - hyperparathyroidish, bone metasases, steriods, multiple fractures

effects
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- impaired rental function
- kidney stones
- excessive intake/absorption of vitamin D

Question 20

functions of Phosporous

Answer 20

• like calcium mostly located in the bone
• provides energy for muscle contraction
• acid & base balance
• high phosphorus causes low calcium levles

Question 21

signs of hypophosphatemia - low phosporous

Answer 21

causes
- intake of antacids
- chronic antacid use

signs and symptoms
- muscle weakness
- tremors
- paresthesia (tingling, burning, prickling)
- bone paid

Question 22

signs of hyperphosphatemia - high phosphorous

Answer 22

causes
- acute and chronic renal failure
-chemotherapy

effects
- low calcium levels
- calcification of soft tissues with prolonged condition

Question 23

Function of magnesium

Answer 23

functions
- increase neuromuscular excitability (cardiac contractions)
- absorbed in the intestines
- eliminated in the kidneys
- necessary for DNA synthesis, muscle contraction and nerve transmission

Torsade’s - abnormal level of magnesium that causes heart irregularity

Question 24

signs of hypomagnesmia - low magnesium

Answer 24

causes
- malnutrition
- alcoholism

effects
- irritability
- increased reflexes
- tachycardia
- digoxin toxicity
- low levels can cause cardiac arrest

Question 25

signs of hypermagnesemia

Answer 25

causes
- antacids and laxatives

effects
- increases neuromuscular activity
- renal insufficiency
- loss of deep tendon reflexes
- nausea and vomiting
- stop contractions in pregnant women