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