Fluid & Electrolytes Flashcards
Covers Nursing Concepts related to care of patients with conditions related to fluid and electrolyte balances: -Acute Kidney Injury -Hypo/hypernatremia -Hypo/hyperkalemia -Hypo/hypermagnesemia -Hypo/hypercalcemia
Normal Range of Serum Potassium (K)
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Normal Range of Serum Sodium (Na)
135 - 145 mEq/L
Normal Range of Serum Magnesium (Mg)
1.8 - 2.6 mEq/L
Normal Range of Serum Calcium (Ca)
9.0- 10.5 mEq/L
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperkalemia (>5.0 mEq/L)
-palpitations
-skipped beats
-cardiac irregularities
-muscle twitching
-leg weakness
-unusual tingling, numbness in face, hands and feet
-diarrhea
-increased motility
Signs and Symptoms of Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L)
-skeletal muscle weakness
-hand grasps weakened
-deep tendon reflexes reduced
-constipation
-pulses thready and weak
-orthostatic hypotension
-pulse rate erratic and irregular
-altered mental status
-lethargy progressing to confusion, coma
Signs and Symptoms of Hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L)
-altered cerebral function
-agitation
-confusion
-with fluid overload, lethargic, stupurous, comatose
-muscle twitching
-irregular muscle contractions
-progressive muscle weakness
-if severe, DTRs absent
-decreased contractility
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia (<134 mEq/L)
-cerebral changes
-level of consciousness
-general muscle weakness
-deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) diminished
-nausea, diarrhea, cramping
-rapid, weak, thready pulse
-periph pulses weak
-severe orthostatic hypotension
-if fluid overload, bounding pulse
Signs and Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia (>2.6 mEq/L)
-bradycardia
-periph vasodilation
-hypotension
-prolonged PR
-widened QRS
-cardiac arrest can occur if severe
-drowsy
-lethargic
-reduced or absent DTRs
-weak voluntary skeletal muscle contractions
-respiratory insufficiency
Signs and Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia (<1.8 mEq/L)
-dysrhythmias
-shortening ST segment
-prolonging PR and QRS
-triggering ectopic beats
-hyperactive DTRs
-numbness
-tingling
-painful muscle contractions
-positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs
-tetany
-seizures
-decreased motility
-anorexia
-nausea
-ABD distension
Signs and Symptoms of Hypercalcemia (>10.5 mEq/L)
-tachycardia
-HTN
-progresses to bradycardia if prolonged
-cyanosis
-pallor
-shortened QT
-dysrhythmias
-lower extremity thrombosis
-severe muscle weakness
-decreased DTRS w/o parasthesia
-confusion
-lethargy
-decreased motility
-constipation
-anorexia
-nausea /vomiting
Signs and Symptoms of Hypocalcemia (<9.0 mEq/L)
-painful muscle spasms (thigh, calf, foot)
-parasthesia
-tingling (lips, nose, ears)
-numbness
-tetany
-positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs
-weak, thready pulses
-if severe, prolonged ST and prolonged QT, arrhythmias, hypotension
-increased motility
-painful cramping
-diarrhea
-brittle bones
-spinal compression
-height changes
-bone pain
Nursing Priorities for Hyperkalemia
-cardiac monitor
-avoid foods high in potassium
-avoid salt substitutes
-loop diuretic
-patiromer binds K and prevents reabsorption
-insulin cocktail
Nursing Priorities for Hypokalemia
-K IV infusion (NOT push) (no more than 20 mEq/hr or 1mEq/10mL)
-cardiac monitor
-fall prevention
-spironolactone if on diuretics
-assess IV site hourly
-respiratory monitoring
-watch ABG values
Nursing Priorities for Hypernatremia
-monitor response to therapy
-restore fluid balance with iso saline/ D5
-lasix to promote Na loss with diuresis
-teach pt about salt in diet