final Flashcards
electrolytes
chemical substances that separate into electrically charged particles (ions) when dissolved in fluids
can conduct electric currents vital for function of nerves and muscles
cations
positively charged electrolytes
what are the major cations
sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
anions
negatively charged electrolytes
major anions in body’s fluid
chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and bicarbonate
sodium is the major electrolyte in the…
extracellular fluid w/ potassium being present at much lower concentrations
potassium is the major electrolyte in…
intracellular fluid with sodium found in lesser concentrations
metabolic alkalosis happens when
vomiting & NGT suction
metabolic acidosis happens when
diarrhea, renal failure, diabetic acidosis
hyponatremia
low serum sodium
hyponatremia is caused by
excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, NG suction
symptoms of hyponatremia
dizziness, confusion, weakness, low BP, shock
hypernatremia
happens when sodium blood levels become too high because of excessive water loss or sodium ingestion
hypernatremia symptoms
extreme thirst, agitation, dry swollen tongue, restlessness
potassium creates much of the … & is essential for
osmotic pressure in intracellular fluid & neurons & muscle cells
an imbalance in potassium can produce
hypokalemia or hyperkalemia
hypokalemia
blood levels of potassium becomes too low & usually a consequence of vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney disease
symptoms hypokalemia
fatigue, confusion, possible cardiac arrest
hyperkalemia & what is the cause
blood levels of potassium becoming too high
cause = consequence of Addison’s disease
symptoms hyperkalemia
weakness, abnormal sensations, cardiac arrhymias, possible cardiac arrest
calcium maintains…
normal excitability of neurons and muscle cells & is essential for clotting
an imbalance of calcium causes
hypocalcemia / hypercalcemia
hypocalcemia
blood levels of calcium become too low usually because of a decreased function of the parathyroid gland or a decreased calcium intake
symptoms hypocalcemia
muscle spasms leading to tetany (continuous spasm)