Functions Flashcards
Name 5 Electrolyte Functions =
Maintain the balance of water in the body.
Balance the blood pH (acid–base) level.
Move nutrients into cells.
Move wastes out of cells.
Maintain proper function of the body’s muscles, heart, nerves, and brain.
Are electrolytes needed to sustain life?
Yes
Maintaining the body’s water balance prevents -
Hypovolemia, Dehydration, Tachycardia, Tachypnea, Confusion, Headache, Kidney Stones, etc.
Determining the Serum Osmolality of the blood can give you a look into-
The body’s balance of water and electrolytes
What do Osmoreceptors do?
Detect increased osmotic pressure
What do Baroreceptors (Aortic Arch, Carotid Sinus) do?
Detect decreased BP
Water loss increases -
Serum Osmolality
Too much water-
Decreases Serum Osmolality + Blood Pressure
Osmoreceptors + Baroreceptors essentially tell the brain when you’re gaining too much Serum Osmolality (Number of solutes compared to water).
True or false?
True
After osmoreceptors or Baroreceptors detect decreased BP or osmotic pressure (Both of which mean that the body is losing water), what happens next?
The Hypothalamus creates ADH (Anti-Diuretic Hormone)
What does ADH do?
Increase reabsorption of water
Causes Vasoconstriction
What does Vasoconstriction do?
Increases BP
What does increased reabsorption of water do?
Increases Blood Volume
Name 2 Potassium Functions =
Support the transmission of the electrical impulses of the body’s muscles + nerves.
Plays a big role in the conduction of nerve cells within the heart.
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) does what?
Checks heart rhythm + heart rate
Hemodialysis does what?
Filters the blood using a machine
Sodium Functions =
Supports proper neurologic + neuromuscular function, regulates the body’s fluid balance, helps maintain BP
Calcium plays a role in:
Mineralization of Bone
Muscle Contraction
Nerve Transmission
Blood Clotting
Absorption of calcium by the intestines depends on an adequate supply of -
Vitamin D
Excretion of calcium occurs through the-
Kidneys
Excretion of calcium occurs through the kidneys, and is controlled by the action of-
Parathyroid Hormone
Why is assessing an ionized calcium level more accurate than assessing a serum calcium level?
Most calcium in the body is bound to protein
The function of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) =
Maintain the proper amount of calcium in the body.
(Regulates Serum Calcium Concentration)
The Chvostek Sign & the Trousseau Sign can tell you if a PT has-
Hypocalcemia
What kind’s of imaging tests may be prescribed to examine a PT’s bones / lungs?
A Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Or
Chest X-Ray
What’s the treatment of choice to remove the excess calcium whenever a PT has severe hypercalcemia?
Hemodialysis
Magnesium Function =
Assists in in the regulation of nerve + muscle function,
Maintain BP + Serum Glucose Levels,
Support Bone + Teeth Health,
Synthesize Protein + DNA + RNA
Magnesium can be excreted via-
Urine + Feces
Treatment with oral magnesium replacement is used if the PT is experiencing -
Manifestations of hypomagnesemia or if the PT has alcohol use disorder
Urine Specific Gravity =
A test that measures the solutes in a sample of urine to provide info the body’s fluid balance (Serum Osmolality Level).
Used for treating dehydration =
Dextrose 5% Water (D5W)
A component of the red blood cell that carries oxygen + carbon dioxide to and from cells =
Hemoglobin
Can be used as a reflection of renal function, also is a byproduct of skeletal muscle contractions (Creatine) =
Creatinine (CR)
Used for PT’s with mild hypovolemia =
Oral Rehydration
Used for PT’s with moderate to severe hypovolemia from fluid loss =
0.9% Normal Saline or Ringer’s Lactate
(Given via IV)
What are diuretics used for?
To manage BP or Fluid Volume
What are Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors used for?
To manage depression
Older adults are commonly prescribed meds like diuretics + serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
True or false?
True
Resin meds (like polystyrene sulfonate) can help-
Decrease potassium levels
Insulin can cause potassium to-
Enter the cells, lowering the Serum Potassium Level
Calcium Gluconate or Calcium Chloride can be used to-
Decrease the effect of excess potassium levels on the heart
