Fluids and Electrolytes Flashcards
What are the hypotonic solutions? (2)
D5W
0.45% NS
What are the isotonic solutions? (4)
0.9% NS
lactated ringer solution
This solution is considered isotonic but becomes free water after dextrose is metabolized; then it acts as a hypotonic solution:
D5W
When administering D5W what are two things you should watch out for?
hyponatremia and hyperglycemia
What isotonic solution replaces losses without altering fluid concentrations?
0.9% NS
Continued fluid replacement with 0.9% NS can lead to what?
hypernatremia and hyperchloremia
If a patient has heart failure, edema, or hypernatremia, what kind of solution should they NOT be given?
0.9% NS
What type of IV solution most closely resembles blood plasma?
lactated ringer solution
What IV solution is commonly used to treat hypovolemia and maintain normal fluid balance, especially in the postoperative period?
D5 0.45% NS
Why shouldn’t you administer IV potassium as a push or bolus medication?
It can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias and death
What are two herbs that act as diuretics?
celery and dandelion
What herb can lead to sodium retention and hypokalemia?
licorice
What are the clinical manifestations of respiratory acidosis?
headache, altered level of consciousness, dyspnea (hypoventilation), tachycardia, muscle twitching
What are the clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?
Hyperventilation, tachypnea (rapid and shallow)
numbness, tingling of fingers, muscle cramping, palpitations, anxiety, ECG changes
What are the clinical manifestations of metabolic acidosis?
Kussmaul respirations, hypotension, headache, decreased LOC, weakness, nausea, vomiting
What are the clinical signs of metabolic alkalosis?
hypotension, vomiting, mental confusion, tetany, increased deep tendon reflexes, tingling fingers/toes, seizures, polyuria
Respiratory alkalosis is a result of _____ and excess exhalation of ______________.
hyperventilation; carbon dioxide
Respiratory acidosis occurs when gas exchange is decreased due to abnormal ventilation, perfusion, or diffusion. This leads to ________ in the blood.
hypercapnia
Why are the elderly more prone to hypokalemia?
Increased use of potassium-wasting diuretics
What electrolyte disorder can enhance the effect of digitalis and lead to digitalis toxicity and cardiac arrest?
hypokalemia
Patient teaching when prescribed digitalis and a potassium-wasting diuretic:
eat food high in potassium, take prescribed potassium supplements, learns signs of hypokalemia
Clinical manifestations of hyponatremia:
lethargy, confusion, weakness, muscle cramping, seizures, nausea, vomiting
What kind of IV solution will be administered for hyponatremia?
Hypertonic IV saline solutions as ordered
Underlying causes of hyponatremia…
Diuretics, GI fluid loss, profuse diaphoresis, water intoxication
Symptoms of hypernatremia:
Thirst, dry mucus membranes, weakness, elevated temperatures; severe hypernatremia can cause confusion, decreased levels of consciousness, seizures
Interventions for hypernatremia:
Monitor LOC, I/O, limit salt intake, increase water intake, administer hypotonic IV solutions as ordered
Causes of hypernatremia:
Excess sodium intake, excessive loss of water, excessive hypertonic IV solutions
Normal sodium
136-145 mEq/L
Symptoms of hypokalemia:
Weak, irregular pulse Decreased blood pressure Lethargy Muscle weakness/cramping Hypoactive bowel sounds Cardiac dysrhythmias Increased risk of digitalis toxicity
Interventions for hypokalemia:
Monitor heart rate and rhythm, ECG, assess for digitalis toxicity, encourage foods high in potassium, administer potassium supplements as ordered/IV potassium
Normal potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Hyperkalemia signs and symptoms
Anxiety, confusion, dysrhythmias (bradycardia), muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, paresthesia, abdominal cramping
Causes of hypokalemia:
Vomiting, gastric suctioning, laxative abuse, potassium-wasting diuretics, alcoholism
Causes of hyperkalemia:
Renal failure, massive trauma, hemolysis, IV potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics, acidosis: especially diabetic ketoacidosis
Interventions for hyperkalemia:
EKG, limit potassium-rich foods, administer Kayexalate as ordered, administer glucose and insulin as ordered (potassium moves back in cell)
Symptoms of Hypocalcemia:
Confusion, numbness and tingling in extremities, tetany, seizures, hyperactive reflexes, cardiac dysrhythmias, positive Trousseau and Chvostek signs
Interventions for hypocalcemia:
ECG, institute fall and seizure precautions, encourage calcium rich foods, administer supplements as ordered
normal calcium
9-10.5 mg/dL
Causes of hypocalcemia:
Hypoparathyroidism, pancreatitis, vitamin D deficiency, HYPERphosphatemia, chronic alcoholism
Symptoms of hypercalcemia:
Lethargy Coma Decreased muscle strength Constipation Dysrhythmias Renal calculi
Hypercalcemia Interventions:
EKG, increased fluid intake, increased active ROM
Causes of Hypercalcemia:
Prolonged bed rest, hyperparathyroidism, bone cancer, osteoporosis
In cases of hypokalemia, what other electrolyte should be checked and replaced first in order for the the body to hold onto potassium?
magnesium
Metabolic alkalosis causes the shift of what electrolyte into cells?
potassium (hypokalemia)
What electrolyte imbalance causes tingling around the mouth?
hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia
Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia:
low BP, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, low HR, hyperactive bowel sounds, muscle twitching, water diarrhea, paresthesia (hands, feet, mouth), EKG changes
Causes of respiratory acidosis:
DEPRESS: drugs, edema, pneumonia, respiratory center of brain is damaged, emboli, Spasms of bronchial tubes, Sac (alveolar) elasticity damaged (COPD/emphysema)
Respiratory acidosis causes a buildup of _____ .
CO2
Nursing interventions for respiratory acidosis:
administer O2 encourage coughing and deep breathing hold any resp. depressants watch potassium levels - can cause hyperkalemia assess for EKG changes
Respiratory alkalosis is the result of expelling too much ___ due to _______.
CO2; tachypnea