Fluids & Electrolytes Flashcards
1
Q
Processes calcium is involved in:
A
- ) Bone formation
- ) Blood coagulation
- ) Contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle
- ) Maintenance of muscle tone
- ) Conduction of nerve impulses
- ) Synthesis and regulation of endocrine and exocrine glands
2
Q
Normal calcium ranges:
A
8.6 to 10 mg/dL
3
Q
Processes magnesium is involved in:
A
- ) Needed for use of ATP as a source of energy
- ) Needed for the action of numerous enzyme systems:
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Protein synthesis
- Nucleic acid synthesis
- Contraction of muscular tissue - ) Regulates nerve activity
- ) Regulates the clotting mechanism
4
Q
Normal magnesium ranges:
A
1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL
5
Q
Processes potassium is involved in:
A
- ) Nerve conduction
- ) Muscle function
- ) Acid-base balance
- ) Osmotic pressure
- ) Controls rate and force of contraction of the heart (along with calcium and magnesium)
6
Q
Normal potassium ranges:
A
3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L
7
Q
Processes phosphorous is involved in:
A
- ) Generation of bony tissue
- ) Metabolism of glucose and lipids
- ) Maintenance of acid-base balance
- Binds with H+ - ) Storage and transfer of energy from one body site to another
8
Q
Normal phosphorous ranges:
A
2.7 to 4.5 mg/dL
9
Q
Processes sodium is involved in:
A
- ) Regulates osmolality
- ) Fluid balance
- ) Promotes transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and tissues
- ) Helps maintain acid-base balance
10
Q
Normal sodium ranges:
A
135 to 145 mEq/L
11
Q
Causes of Hypernatremia:
A
- ) Dehydration (e.g. low fluid intake, increased metabolic rate, fever, hyperventilation, infection, excessive diaphoresis, watery diarrhea, diabetes insipidus [DI])
- ) Excessive sodium intake
- ) Decreased sodium output (e.g. Corticosteroids, Cushing’s Syndrome, Renal failure, Hyperaldosteronism)
12
Q
S&S of Hypernatremia:
A
- ) Irritability, Restlessness, Confusion, Seizures, Lethargy, Coma
- ) Thirst, Dry mucous membranes
- ) Decreased urinary output
- ) Flushed skin
- ) Orthostatic hypotension (from fluid loss)
- ) Fever
- ) Pulmonary edema (if hypervolemia present)
- ) Muscle changes: (Early = Muscle twitches, irregular muscle contractions; Late = Skeletal muscle weakness, depressed/absent deep tendon reflexes)
- ) Possible edema (if hypervolemia present)
- ) Increased urinary specific gravity
- ) Increased BP
13
Q
Interventions for Hypernatremia:
A
- ) Monitor cardiovascular, respiratory, neruomuscular, cerebral, renal, and integumentary status
- ) Monitory I&O
- ) Daily Weight (gain of 2 or more lbs in 4 days must be reported)
- ) Assess for edema
- ) Monitor for seizure risk
- ) Administer IV infusion (sodium-free isotonic fluids, e.g. D5W, followed by 0.45% NS) (if cause is fluid loss)
- ) Administer diuretics that promote sodium loss (if cause is inadequate renal excretion of sodium)
- ) Restrict sodium and fluid intake
14
Q
Causes of Hyponatremia:
A
- ) Increased sodium excretion (excessive diaphoresis, diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, wound drainage [especially GI], renal disease, decreased secretion of aldosterone)
- ) Inadequate sodium intake (NPO, Low-salt diet)
- ) Dilution of serum sodium (Excessive ingestion of hypotonic fluids or irrigation with hypotonic fluids, renal failure, freshwater drowning, SIADH, hyperglycemia, CHF)
15
Q
S&S of Hyponatremia:
A
From Sodium loss:
- ) Irritability, apprehension, confusion
- ) Postural hypotension and tachycardia
- ) Decreased CVP and decreased jugular vein filling
- ) Weight loss and dry mucous membranes
- ) Tremors, seizures, and coma
- ) Cerebral edema (if <125 mEq/L)
From Fluid gain:
- ) Headache, apathy and confusion
- ) Weight gain, increased BP, elevated CVP
* 3.) Hallmark signs: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and weakness - ) Increased urinary output
- ) Cerebral edema
16
Q
Interventions for Hyponatremia:
A
- ) Closely monitor neurologic signs during sodium replacement
- ) Daily weights
- ) Monitor I&O (loss or gain of 4.4 lb is equal to 2 L of fluid)
- ) Check urine color, consistency, and amount
- ) Monitor vital signs
- ) Assess for intravascular overload during infusion of sodium solutions (tachypnea, tachycardia, and SOB)
17
Q
Causes of Hyperkalemia:
A
- ) Excessive potassium intake (overingestion of K+ containing foods/medications, rapid infusion of potassium-containing IV solutions).
- ) Decreased potassium excretion (K+ sparing diuretics, renal failure, adrenal insufficiency [Addison’s disease])
- ) Movement of potassium from ICF to ECF (tissue damage, acidosis, hyperuricemia, hypercatabolism)
18
Q
S&S of Hyperkalemia:
A
- ) Muscle cramps/Weakness in lower extremities
- ) Diarrhea and hyperactive bowel sounds
- ) Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- ) Lethargy and fatigue
- ) Bradycardia
- ) Hypotension
- ) Cardiac dysrhythmias (ectopic beats)
- ) ECG changes
- Tall, peaked T waves and flat or absent P waves
- Shortened QT intervals
- ST segment depression, prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex ( >8 mEq/L)