Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Sodium and potassium imbalances Flashcards
1
Q
Normal sodium levels
A
135-145 mEq/L
2
Q
Normal potassium layers
A
3.5-5.0mEq/L
3
Q
Why is the normal potassium level so low?
A
It is all in the cells
4
Q
Sodium is the major _____ in extracellular fluid
A
Cation
5
Q
What are some major functions of sodium in the body?
A
Fluid distribution, fluid osmolarity, transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, regulation of acid-base balance
6
Q
Causes of hyponatremia
A
-Sweating (diaphoresis)
-Burns
-Cirrhosis
-Diuretics
-Increased urine output
-Diarrhea
-SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate anti diuretic hormone)
-Malnutrition
-Low-sodium diet
-Increased water intake
-Vomiting
-Cardiac heart failure
_Nasogastric tube and gastric suction
-Vomiting
7
Q
Symptoms of hyponatremia
A
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Confusion
- Apprehension
- Seizures
- Coma
- Hypovolemia (decreased volume of blood)
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Weight gain or loss
- Edema
8
Q
Hypernatremia causes
A
- Excess secretion of ACTH
- Innapropriate administration of IV hypertonic solution
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Aldosterone over secretion
- Impaired tubular function or inability to concentrate urine
- Insufficient ADH
- Increased sodium or salt
- Insufficient water intake
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diarrhea
9
Q
Symptoms of hypernatremia
A
Fever Sweating Dehydration Dry mucous membranes Polyuria (a lot of dilute urine) Thirst Restlessness Increased respiratory rate Pulmonary edema Hypotension Tachycardia Weight loss
