EXAM 3 Flashcards
What are the functions of potassium?
Maintains ICF osmolality.
Regulates conduction of cardiac rhythm.
Transmits electrical impulses in multiple body systems.
Assists with acid-base balance.
(From treas book - table 35.3)
What are the functions of sodium?
Determines ECF osmolality
Influences water distribution between ECF and ICF
Role in maintaining BP
Transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractility, and acid-base balance
S/Sx of hyponatremia?
Stupor/coma
Anorexia
Lethargy
Tendon reflexes are decreased
Limp muscles
Orthostatic Hypotension
Seizures
Stomach cramping
Also: headache, ALOC, muscle weakness and cramps
S/Sx of hypernatremia?
Flushed skin
Restless
Intense thirst
lEthargy
Decreased urine output
Skin is dry
Agitation
Low grade fever
Thirst, sticky mucous membranes
Seizures, possibly coma (if severe)
S/Sx of hypokalemia
Less excitable neurons & action potentials inhibited
Lethal cardiac dysrhythmias
Low shallow respirations
Limp muscles
Leg cramps
sLow GI motility (constipation, nausea, paralytic ileus)
S/Sx of hyperkalemia
(Increased cell excitability to nerves and skeletal/ smooth muscle
Decreased cardiac depolarization)
Decrease HR
Early muscle twitching leading to weakness
Arrhythmias
Tummy trouble (diarrhea)
Hypotension
What are the causes of hypovolemic hyponatremia?
Excessive sweating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Diuretics
What are the causes of hypervolemic hyponatremia?
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Heart failure
What are the causes of hypernatremia?
Dehydration
Inadequate water intake
High fever
Diarrhea
Excess IV fluids containing Na+
Excess oral intake of Na+ (diet, almost drowning in seawater)
What are the causes of hypokalemia?
Drugs (laxatives, diuretics)
Low Mg+
Inadequate intake
Too much insulin
Heavy fluid loss (vomiting)
Alkalosis
What are the causes of hyperkalemia?
Renal failure
Excessive K+ intake (food/supplements)
Drugs (potassium sparing diuretics)
Muscle breakdown (rhabdo)
Acidosis
What are the food sources of potassium?
Bananas
Oranges
Avocados
Tomatoes
Spinach
What are the nursing implications for hyponatremia?
Neurological assessment
Implement seizure precautions (if severe)
Implement fall precautions
Monitor I/Os
Daily weights if edema is present
What are the nursing implications for hypernatremia?
Neurological assessment
Implement Seizure/ fall precautions
What are the nursing implications for hypokalemia?
Assess:
motor function and strength
Reflexes
Respiratory function
Heart rhythm monitored
Bowel sounds
