Fluid and Electrolytes revisited Flashcards
Major Cations
sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen
Major Anions
chloride, bicarb, phosphate, sulfate, proteinate
non electrolytes
BUN, Creatinine, Glucose
Major Electrolytes of ECF
Na+ (most important)
Cl- (important)
Ca 2+
HCO3- (important)
Major Electrolytes ICF
K+ (most important) Phosphate- Sulphate- Protein - Mg+ (important)
Normal Sodium Plasma levels
135-145 mEq/L
Sodium balance
Sodium is most abundant ECF cation
Key to ECF volume
Diffuses between vascular and interstitial fluids (ECF)
Quickly transported OUT of cells by ATP-ase pump
Roles of Sodium
key to establishing transmembrane potential in all living cells
participates in action potential of excitable cells/tissues
critical to normal neuron, brain, muscle function
actively secreted in mucous and other secretions
comprises about 90% of osmotic forces
Sodium levels reflect…
WATER BALANCE
Serum sodium less than 135 mEq/L..?
Hyponatremia- TOO MUCH WATER
Causes of hyponatremia
losses from excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic abuse
certain diuretic drugs combined with low salt diets
hormonal imbalances (insufficient aldosterone, adrenal insufficiency, excess ADH secretion/SIADH
excessive water intake
Effects and Clinical Manifestations of Hyponatremia
fluid imbalance in compartments –> fatigue, muscle cramps, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting
Decreased osmotic pressure in ECF = cells swell
cerebal edema
neurological changes - headache, weakness, confusion, seizures, even coma and death
poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, decreased salivation
nausea, abdominal cramping
hypovolemia and decreased BP (all fluid going to CELLS)
Management of hyponatremia
treat underlying condition
medicate
assess: I + O, daily weight, lab values, CNS changes
encourage dietary sodium
evaluate effects of medications (diuretics, lithium)
maybe…:
replace sodium
restrict water
hypertonic saline
Serum sodium greater than 145 mEq/L
Hypernatremia = WATER DEFICIT
most affected are very old, very young, cognitively impaired
Potential causes of hypernatremia
fluid deprivation excess sodium administration diabetes insipidus heat stroke hypertonic IV solutions insufficient ADH = dilute urine loss of thirst mechanism water diarrhea prolonged rapid respiration without adequate fluids large amt of sodium ingested w/o water
Effects and Clinical Manifestations of Hypernatremia
cells shrink
increased thirst weakness,agitation elevated temp dry, rough mucous membranes Edema (fluid moves into ecf) increased BP (maybe)
Management of Hypernatremia
Gradual lowering of serum sodium level via infusion of hypotonic electrolyte solution
(oral fluids ok w/ alert pt and safe to swallow)
diuretics
assessment for abnormal loss of water and low water intake
assess for OTC sources of sodium
Monitor for CNS changes
Normal Potassium Serum Levels
3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L