fluid 2

Question 1

What are the normal plasma potassium concentrations?

Answer 1

3.5-5 mEq/L

Question 2

What is the most abundant intracellular cation essential for life?

Answer 2

Potassium

Question 3

List three functions of potassium in the body.

Answer 3

• Cellular metabolism
• Glycogen and protein synthesis
• Muscle and cardiac contractility

Question 4

How is potassium primarily excreted from the body?

Answer 4

Through urine

Question 5

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 5

K+ concentration less than 3.5 mEq/L

Question 6

Name two causes of hypokalemia.

Answer 6

• Increased shift of K+ into cells
• Increased GI losses of K+ (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea)

Question 7

What are common symptoms of hypokalemia?

Answer 7

• Muscle weakness
• ECG changes (flattened T waves)
• Cardiac arrhythmias

Question 8

What is the recommended oral supplementation for the prevention of hypokalemia?

Answer 8

20-40 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses

Question 9

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 9

Hyperkalemia can be defined as a potassium level > 5.3 or > 5.5 mEq/L

Question 10

List three causes of hyperkalemia.

Answer 10

• Increased intake
• Shift of K+ from the IC to the EC compartment
• Reduced urinary excretion

Question 11

What are common symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Answer 11

• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Abnormal cardiac conduction

Question 12

What is the initial treatment for hyperkalemia?

Answer 12

All potassium sources must be discontinued

Question 13

What is the normal serum magnesium concentration?

Answer 13

1.7-2.3 mg/dL

Question 14

What is hypomagnesemia?

Answer 14

Serum magnesium concentration less than 1.7 mg/dL

Question 15

Name two signs or symptoms of hypomagnesemia.

Answer 15

• Neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tetany, twitching)
• Cardiovascular symptoms (e.g., arrhythmias)

Question 16

What is the treatment for symptomatic hypomagnesemia?

Answer 16

IV replacement

Question 17

What is the normal serum phosphorus concentration?

Answer 17

2.5-4.5 mg/dL

Question 18

What is hypophosphatemia?

Answer 18

Serum phosphorus concentration less than 2.5 mg/dL

Question 19

Name two causes of hypophosphatemia.

Answer 19

• Increased renal elimination
• Respiratory alkalosis

Question 20

What are common signs and symptoms of hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 20

• Hypocalcemia
• ECG changes

Question 21

What is the normal serum calcium concentration?

Answer 21

8.5-10.5 mg/dL

Question 22

What is hypocalcemia?

Answer 22

Serum calcium concentration less than 8.5 mg/dL

Question 23

Name two signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia.

Answer 23

• Tetany
• Muscle spasms

Question 24

What is the treatment for asymptomatic hypocalcemia?

Answer 24

Oral Ca2+ supplements at a dose of 2-4 g/day

Question 25

What is the usual cause of hypercalcemia?

Answer 25

Malignancy or hyperparathyroidism

Question 26

Why is medication history important in electrolyte disorders?

Answer 26

It helps identify potential causes of electrolyte imbalances.

Question 27

True or False: Electrolyte imbalance is common in the emergency department.

Answer 27

True