Fluid and Electrolyte Drugs: Module 14

Question 1

Fluid and Electrolyte drug classes:

Answer 1

• Electrolyte replacement drugs

- Alkalinizing, acidifying drugs

Question 2

Electrolyte Replacement:

• Electrolytes:
• Potassium:
• Calcium:
• Magnesium:
• Sodium:

Answer 2

• Electrolytes: inorganic, organic salts; carry electrical charge when dissolved in water, maintain homeostasis, body fluid composition and volume [potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium]
• Potassium: cation (positively charged ion) in intracellular fluid; determines cell membrane potential, excitability.
• Calcium: cation; 99% stored in bone; absorption dependent on diet.
• Magnesium: cation; for nerve conduction, activation of carbohydrate and protein metabolism
• Sodium: cation; for nerve conduction, acid-base and water balance

Question 3

Electrolyte Adverse Effects:

• Potassium:
• Calcium:
• Magnesium:
• Sodium:

Answer 3

• K: related to administration method
• Ca: hypercalcemia
• Mg: life-threatening hypo-tension, circulatory collapse, flushing, depressed reflexes, respiratory paralysis
• Na: pulmonary edema, hypernaturemia, potassium loss

Question 4

Alkalinizing, Acidifying Drugs:

Correct:

• Metabolic acidosis:
• Metabolic alkalosis:

Answer 4

• Correct acid-base imbalance in blood
• Metabolic acidosis: decreased serum pH, excess hydrogen ions; treat with alkalinizing drugs [sodium bicarbonate]
• Metabolic alkalosis: increased serum pH, excess bicarbonate; treat with acidifying drugs [ascorbic acid, ammonium chloride, acetazolamide]

Question 5

Alkalinizing/Acidifying Drugs Adverse Effects

• Alkalinizing drugs:
• Acidifying drugs:

Answer 5

• Alkalinizing drugs: varies with drug used

- Acidifying drugs: mild GI distress, acidosis with overdose.