fluid and electrolytes Flashcards
what is the most abundant ICF ion?
potassium
what is the most abundant ECF ion?
sodium
which electrolyte drives the movement of water?
sodium
what is the normal value for sodium?
135 - 145
what is the role of sodium?
to transmit impulses in nerves and muscle fibers
how is sodium consumed?
table salt
food
what causes a loss of sodium?
excessive sweating
vomiting
diarrhea
certain diuretics
insufficient aldosterone (adrenal)
excessive ADH secretion
diuresis
excessive water intake
not eating enough
gastrointestinal suctioning
what happens when aldosterone is released?
the body retains sodium and water
what happens when aldosterone is retained in the body?
the body releases sodium and water and cause hyponatremia
what are the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?
lethargy
headache
confusion
apprehension
seizures
coma
muscle weakness
what are some complications of hyponatremia?
cerebral edema
what causes hypernatremia?
ingestion of too much sodium without water
insufficient ADH
diabetes insipidus
watery diarrhea
lost of thirst mechanism
prolonged periods of rapid respiration
what are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?
edema
thirsty if thirst mechanism is still functioning
dehydration
agitation
muscle weakness
seizures
what is the normal value for potassium?
3.5 - 5
what is the role of potassium?
effects how body cells work, how nerves impulses generates, contractions of all muscles in the body (skeletal, HEART)
what foods contain potassium?
citrus fruits
bananas
tomatoes
why are patients prescribed with insulin for high potassium levels?
insulin promotes movement of potassium into cells and lowers potassium levels
what happens to potassium when the body is acidic?
hydrogen ions will push the the potassium out of the cell into the blood
what are some causes of hypokalemia?
diarrhea
diuretics
decreased dietary intake (alcoholism, eating disorders, starvation
too much insulin?
signs and symptoms of hypokalemia
alkalosis
shallow respirations
irritability
confusion
drowsiness
weakness
fatigue
arrhythmias
lethargy
thready pulse
parastheia
cause of hyperkalemia
too much potassium intake
renal failure
potassium sparing diuretics
prolonged or severe acidosis
extensive tissue damage
effects of hyperkalemia
muscle cramps
urine abnormalities
respiratory distress
decreased cardiac contractility
ekg changes
reflexes
what is the normal range for calcium?
what is the role of calcium?
bone and teeth
nerve membranes
muscle contractions
blood clotting
where is calcium stored?
bone
who is at risk for calcium imbalance?
patients with renal failure
