Fluid & Electrolytes Part 2 (B) Flashcards
Electrolytes are all-
Minerals / Salts
What are the positively charged electrolytes (Cations)?
Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium
What can you monitor to identify any electrolyte imbalances with your pt’s?
Lab Values
What are the 3 age groups at a greater risk for electrolyte imbalances?
Infants
Children
Older Adults
What groups of people are at risk for electrolyte imbalances?
(Aside from age groups)
People with Cognitive Disorders or Chronic Illnesses
What does Calcium play an important role in?
Skeletal Mineralization
Muscle Contractions
Nerve Transmission of Impulses
Blood Clotting
Hormone Secretion
What is Skeletal Mineralization?
The process of the deposits of minerals on the bone matrix for the development of the bone itself
Calcium is predominantly what kind of electrolyte?
An Extracellular Cation
Hypocalcemia is a Total Blood Calcium Level of-
Less than 9
What are the risk factors for Hypocalcemia?
Increased calcium output
Poor intake or absorption of Calcium
Movement of Calcium into the bone from extracellular fluid
Shifting of calcium to an inactive form
What can cause increased calcium output to occur?
Chronic Diarrhea
Misuse of Laxatives
Steatorrhea
Poor Intake / Absorption of Calcium
Movement of Calcium into the bone from extracellular fluid
Shifting of calcium to an inactive form
What is Steatorrhea?
An increase in fat secretion in your stools or bowel movements
What can cause a poor Intake / Absorption of Calcium ?
Crohn’s Disease
Vitamin Deficiency (Caused by alcohol use disorders or Chronic Kidney Disease)
What are the clinical manifestations/ expected findings of a pt with Hypocalcemia?
Tetany
Cardiovascular Manifestations
GI Manifestations
CNS Manifestations
What is Tetany?
Muscle Twitches/spasms/involuntary muscle contractions
What are the expected findings of a pt diagnosed with Muscle Twitches / Tetany?
Numbness/tingling: fingers & circumoral
Muscle spasms occurring frequently at rest
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Chvostek’s sign: Positive
Trousseau’s sign: Positive
Laryngospasms
This is a test where you tap on a person’s cheek in front of the ear to assess for any facial twitching =
Chvostek’s Sign
Hand finger spasms with sustained blood pressure cuff inflation =
Trousseau’s Sign
What are the cardiovascular manifestations of Hypocalcemia?
Weak Thready Pulse
Bradycardia or Tachycardia
Cardiac Dysrhythmias
What are the GI manifestations of Hypocalcemia?
Hyperactive Bowel Sounds
Diarrhea
Abdominal Cramping
What are the Central Nervous System manifestations of Hypocalcemia?
Seizures
What are the nursing actions for Hypocalcemia?
Calcium supplements (oral or IV) with Vitamin D supplements
Seizure precautions
Fall precautions
Keep emergency equipment on standby
High calcium foods
Include dairy products and dark green veggies
Padding side rails is a precaution for-
Seizures
Orange juice is a good source of-
Calcium
Hypercalcemia is a Total Blood Calcium Level of-
Over 10.5