Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances Flashcards
Give some of the signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia.
Bone pains, stones, psychiatric issues.
What can be used to treat hypercalcaemia?
Cinacalcet.
Give some of the signs and symptoms of hypocalcaemia.
Convulsions, arrhythmias, numbness.
What can be used to treat hypocalcaemia?
Calcium salts.
How does cinacalcet help to reduce serum calcium levels?
It acts as a calcimimetic, reducing the secretion of parathyroid hormone, reducing serum calcium levels.
Give some of the signs and symptoms of hypomagnesaemia.
Arrhythmias, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia.
What can be used to treat hypomagnesaemia?
Magnesium salts.
Give some signs and symptoms of hyperphosphatemia.
Ectopic calcification (a pathologic deposition of calcium salts in tissues or bone growth in soft tissues), hyperparathyroidism.
What can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia?
Aluminium hydroxide, phosex, sevlamer.
Give some signs and symptoms of hypophosphataemia.
Weak muscles, mental issues, blood disorders.
How is acute hyperkalaemia treated?
IV soluble insulin with glucose, nebulised salbutamol, calcium gluconate for cardioprotection.
How is acute hypokalaemia treated?
Potassium overdose can be fatal. Premixed infusion solution containing potassium should be used where possible. Potassium chloride solution for infusion must be given by slow IV infusion under ECG control, ensuring adequate urine control and careful monitoring of electrolytes.
Why should rapid infusions of potassium solutions be avoided?
Rapid infusions can be fatal and lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
What is the maximum infusion rate for potassium chloride solution as advised by manufacturers?
20 mmol of potassium per hour.
When may an infusion rate of greater than 20 mmol per hour of potassium be given?
Under specialist supervision in severe potassium depletion.
Give some signs and symptoms of hyperkalaemia?
Fatigue, numbness, tingling, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat.
Which drugs can cause hyperkalaemia?
ACE inhibitors, potassium supplements, NSAIDs, heparins, spironolactone, amiloride.
Give some signs and symptoms of hypokalaemia?
Constipation, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle damage, muscle spasms, tingling, numbness.
Which drugs can cause hypokalaemia?
Diuretics, beta-2 agonists, insulin, corticosteroids.
Give some signs and symptoms of hypernatremia.
Dehydration, thirst, osmotic damage of cells (confusion, muscles twitching or spasms, seizures).
Which drugs can cause hypernatraemia?
Corticosteroids, IV abx with sodium, oral contraceptive, sodium bicarb.
How is hypernatraemia treated?
Correction of relative water deficit if IV administered via dextrose or saline infusion. Rapid correction can lead to cerebral oedema.
Give some signs and symptoms of hyponatraemia.
Nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, osmotic damage of cells (confusion, muscle twitching or spasms, seizures).
Which drugs can cause hyponatraemia?
Antidepressants, desmopressin, carbamazepine, diuretics, lithium.
How is hypovolemic hyponatraemia treated?
IV saline.
How is euvolemic hyponatraemia treated?
Fluid restriction and removal of stimuli for ADH.
How is hypervolemic hyponatraemia treated?
Address underlying heart or liver faliure.
