Fluid Flashcards
Intracellular fluid
70%
Extracellular fluid
30%
Interstitial fluid + intravascular fluid (plasma)
Normal sodium
136-145 mEq/L
Normal potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Normal magnesium
1.7-2.2 mg/dL
Normal calcium
9-11 mg/dL
Normal phosphate
3.2-4.3 mg/dL
Sodium
Main ECF cation Governs osmolality Influences water distribution Aids in acid-base balance Activates muscle and nerve cells
Hyponatremia (<136) causes
GI loss: diarrhea, vomiting, fluid loss from fistula, excessive NG suction
Renal loss: diuretics, adrenal insufficiency
Skin loss: burns, wounds
Fasting
Drinking too much water
Excess hypotonic fluid
Hyponatremia signs/symptoms
Confusion Altered LOC Anorexia Muscle weakness Seizures Coma
Dilutional hyponatremia
Hypervolemic
Too much fluid lowers sodium concentration
Depletional hyponatremia
Hypovolemic
Absolute sodium loss
Dilutional hyponatremia symptoms
Hypervolemia High blood pressure Weight gain Bounding rapid pulse Increased urine specific gravity
Depletional hyponatremia symptoms
Hypovolemia Decreased blood pressure Tachycardia Dry skin Weight loss Decreased urine specific gravity
Hyponatremia treatment
Sodium replacement (must do slowly)
Can replace IV or PO
NS
Fluid restriction for dilutional hyponatremia
Sodium bicarbonate MOA
Dissociates to sodium ion and bicarbonate ion—neutralizing ion concentration, raising pH, and increasing sodium plasma concentration
Sodium bicarbonate indication
Metabolic acidosis
Long-term hyponatremia
Sodium bicarbonate SE
Edema, cerebral hemorrhage, hypernatremia, electrolyte abnormalities, metabolic alkalosis, flatulence (with PO), tetany, pulmonary edema, heart failure exacerbation
Sodium bicarbonate nursing considerations
Do not give IV for hyponatremia (irritant/vesicant at high concentration)—only IVP through central line
If IV monitor IV patency
IVP for metabolic acidosis
Cardiac monitor
Monitor ABGs and electrolytes
Many drug interactions if drug is diluted in sodium solution
For PO give 1-3 after or before meals
Hypernatremia causes
IV fluids, tube feeds, near drowning in salt water, insufficient water intake, significant water loss (cognitively impaired, diarrhea, high fever, heatstroke), profound diuresis, cannot get from consuming salty foods
Hypernatremia signs/symptoms
Altered LOC Confusion Seizure Coma Extreme thirst Dry and sticky mucous membranes Muscle cramps
Hypernatremia treatment
Add water or remove sodium
Fluid replacement must occur slowly to prevent cerebral edema
Gradually achieve normal sodium over 48 hours to avoid cerebral edema
Potassium
Main source: diet
Main source for loss: kidneys
Hypokalemia causes (<3.5)
Renal/GI losses: diuresis, diuretics, diarrhea, vomiting, ileostomy
Acid-base disorders