F&E Chart Broken Down Flashcards
What are normal Sodium (Na) levels?
135-145 mEq/L
What is the function of Sodium (Na)?
Regulates fluid volume
Helps maintain blood volume
Interacts with calcium to maintain muscle contraction
Stimulates conduction of nerve impluses
What is Sodiums (Na) regulation?
Moves by active transport across the cell membranes
Regulated by aldosterone and ADH levels
Reabsorbed and excreted through the kidneys
Minimal loss through perspiration and feces
Low sodium may be caused by excess water intake
What are sources of Sodium (Na)?
Table Salt Soy sauce Cured Pork Cheese Milk Processed Food Canned Food Products Food preserved with salt
What are Potassium (K) normal levels?
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
What is the function of Potassium (K)?
Maintains ICF osmolality
Regulates conduction of cardiac rhythm
Transmits electrical impulses in multiple body systems
Assists with acid - base balance
What regulates Potassium (K)?
Regulated by aldosterone
Excreted and conserved through the kidneys
Lost through vomiting and diarrhea
Loss triggered by many diuretics
What are sources for Potassium (K)?
Common food sources are: Bananas Oranges Apricots Figs Dates Carrots Potatoes Tomatoes Spinach Dairy Products Meats
What are normal Calcium (Ca) levels?
8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL
What is the function of Calcium (Ca)?
Promotes transmission of nerve impulses Major component of bone and teeth Regulates muscle contraction Maintains cardiac automaticity Essential factor in the formation of blood clots Catalyst for many cellular activites
What regulates Calcium (Ca)?
Combines with phosphorus to form the mineral salts of the teeth and bones
Calcium and phosphorus levels are inversely proportional
Parathyroid hormone stimulates release of calcium from bones and reabsorption from kidneys and intestines
Calcitonin (from the thyroid) blocks bone breakdown and lowers calcium levels
Absorption stimulated by vitamin D
What are normal Magnesium (Mg) levels?
1.6 - 2.6 mEq/L
What are sources of Calcium (Ca)?
Common food sources are: Milk Milk Products Dark green, leafy vegetables Salmon as well as calcium - fortified foods such as breads and cereals
What are the functions of Magnesium (Mg)?
Involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism
Necessary for protein and DNA synthesis within the cell
Maintains normal intracellular levels of potassium
Involved in electrical activity in nerve and muscle membranes, including the heart
May have a role in regulating blood pressure and may influence the release and activity of insulin
What regulates Magnesium (Mg)?
Ingested in the diet and absorbed through the small intestine
Excreted by kidneys
Loss may be triggered by diuretics , poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, and excess alcohol intake
What are sources of Magnesium (Mg)?
Found in most foods but high levels are present in green vegetables, cereal grains and nuts
Average daily intake is 18-30 mEq
What are normal Chloride (CI) levels?
95-105 mEq/L
What is the function of Chloride (CI)?
Works with Na to maintain osmotic pressure between fluid compartments
Essential for production of HCI for gastric secretions
Functions as buffer in oxygen - carbon dioxide exchange in RBCs
Assists with acid - base balance
What regulates Chloride (CI)?
Reabsorbed and excreted through the kidneys along with sodium
Regulated by aldosterone and ADH levels
Deficits lead to potassium deficits; potassium deficits lead to chloride deficits
What are source for Chloride (CI)?
Found in high sodium foods
What are normal Phosphate (PO) levels?
1.7 -2.6 mEq/L
What is the function of Phosphate (PO)?
Serves as a catalyst for many intracellular activities
Promotes muscle and nerve action
Assists with acid-base balance
Important for cel division and transmission of hereditary traits
What regulates Phosphate (PO)?
Combines with calcium to form the mineral salts of the teeth and bone
Calcium and phosphorus levels are inversely proportional
Regulated by PTH; has inverse response to calcium
Excreted and absorbed by the kidneys
What are sources for Phosphate (PO)?
Foods high in phosphate are: Meat Fish Poultry milk products carbonated beverages legumes Readily available in the body as a result of metabolism
What are normal Bicarbonate (HCO) levels?
22 - 26 mEq/L
What is Bicarbonate’s (HCO) function?
Maintain acid - base balance by functioning as a BUFFER in the body
Bicarbonate is regulated by?
Excreted and reabsorbed by the kidneys
Lost through diarrhea, diuretics, renal insufficiency
Excess possible if person ingest quantities of acid neutralizers
What are sources of Bicarbonate (HCO)
Present in acid neutralizers (e.g. sodium bicarbonate
What is Hyponatremia?
Sodium level Na < 135 mEq/L
What are common causes of Hyponatremia?
Diuretics
GI fluid loss
Excessive intake of hypotonic solutions, such as water or IV fluids
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH
What are some signs and symptoms of Hyponatremia?
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting Weakness Lethargy Confusion Muscle cramps or twitching Seizures
What treatment can be done for Hyponatremia?
Monitor I&O
Monitor sodium levels
Increase oral sodium intake
Administer IV saline infusion and take seizure precautions, if severe.
What is Hypernatremia?
Sodium (Na) level > 145 mEq/L
What are common causes of Hypernatremia?
Excessive sodium intake
Water deprivation
Increased water loss through profuse, sweating, heat stroke, or diabetes insipidus
Administration of hypertonic tube feeding
What are some signs and symptoms of Hypernatremia?
Thirst Elevated temperature Dry mouth and sticky mucous membranes If severe: Hallucinations Irritability Lethargy Seizures
What treatment plans can be done for Hypernatremia?
Monitor I&O
Monitor sodium levels
Monitor vital signs and level of consciousness
Restrict sodium in the diet
Beware of hidden sodium in foods and medication
Increase water intake
Administer IV solutions that do not contain sodium
What is Hypokalemia?
Potassium (K) level <3.5 mEq/L
What are common causes for Hypokalemia?
Diuretics GI fluid loss through vomiting, gastric suction, or diarrhea Steroid administration Hypoeraldosteronism Anorexia or bulimia
What are signs and symptoms of Hypokalemia?
Fatigue Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting Muscle Weakness Decreased GI motility Dysrhythmias Paresthesia Flat T wave on ECG Increased sensitivity to digitalis
What treatment plans can be done for Hypokalemia?
Monitor I&O
Monitor potassium level
If the client is taking digoxin. monitor pulse and observe for toxicity
Encourage intake of foods rich in potassium
Administer potassium supplements
What is Hyperkalemia?
Potassium (K) level > 5.0 mEq/L
What are common signs of Hyperkalemia?
Renal failure
Potassium - sparing diuretics
Hypoaldosteronism
High potassium intake coupled with renal insufficiency
Acidosis
Major Trauma
Hemolyzed serum sample produces pseudohperkalemia
What are signs and symptoms of Hyperkalemia?
Musle weakness Dysrhythmias Flaccid paralysis Intestinal Colic Tall T waves on ECG
What treatments can be done for Hyperkalemia?
Monitor I&O
Monitor potassium level
Caution about potassium-rich food intake in patient with elevated creatinine levels
What is Hypocalcemia?
Ca level <8.5 mq/dL
What are common causes of Hypocalcemia?
Hypoparathyroidism Malabsorption Pancreatitis Alkalosis Vitamin D deficiency
What are sign and symptoms of Hypocalcemia?
Diarrhea Numbness and tingling of extremities Muscle Cramps Tetany Convulsions Laryngeal spams Cardiac Irritability
What treatment can be done for Hypocalcemia?
Monitor I&O Monitor serum calcium Encourage increased calcium intake Administer calcium supplements If severe, monitor patency of airway, institute seizure and safety precautions, and administer parenteral calcium
What is Hypercalcemia?
Ca level >10.5 mq/dL
What are common causes of Hypercalcemia?
Hyperparathyroidism Malignant bone disease Prolonged immobilization Excess calcium supplementation Thiazide diuretics
What are signs and symptoms of Hypercalcemia?
Muscle Weakness Constipation Anorexia, nausea, vomiting Polyuria and polydipsia Kidney Stones Bizarre behavior Bradycardia
What treatments can be done for Hypercalcemia?
Monitor I&O
Encourage fluid intake to prevent stone formation
Encourage fiber to prevent constipation
Eliminate calcium supplements and limit calcium rich foods
Avoid calcium-based antacids
Renal dialysis
What is hypomagnesemia?
Mg level <1.3 mEq/L
What are common causes for hypomagnesemia?
Chronic alcoholism
Malabsorption
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Prolonged gastric suction
What are signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia?
Neuromuscular irritability Disorientation Mood Changes Dysrhythmias Increased sensitivity to digitalis
What treatments can be done for hypomagnesemia?
Monitor I&O
Encourage foods high in magnesium
Avoid alcohol intake
If the patient is taking digoxin monitor pulse and observe for toxicity
What is hypermagnesemia?
Mg level >2.1 mEq/L
