fundamentals

Question 1

Sodium = primary electrolyte responsible for fluid
balance and regulation of the nervous system.

Answer 1

Think “neuro”:
Regulates fluid
balance and
the nervous
system

Question 2

Potassium
(K+)

Answer 2

Think “cardiac”:
Regulates
muscle
contractions
and cardiac
conduction

Question 3

Calcium
(Ca2+)

Answer 3

Think “muscles
and bones”:
Regulates
bone health
and muscle
contractions

Question 4

Magnesium
(Mg2+)

Answer 4

Think “calm
and reflexes”:
Supports
neuromuscular
reflexes,
including
cardiac
conduction

Question 5

Signs of Fluid Deficit

Answer 5

Dry mucous
membranes
Poor skin turgor
Tachycardia
Weak pulses
Delayed capillary
refill
Oliguria, dark urine

Question 6

Signs of Fluid Excess

Answer 6

Rapid weight gain
Jugular venous
distention (JVD)
Crackles
Bounding pulses
Edema

Question 7

Neuro symptoms (from cerebral edema):

Answer 7

Lethargy, confusion
Headaches
In severe cases, seizures and coma.

Question 8

1 priority

Answer 8

If a client with severe hyponatremia has altered
LOC, #1 priority = seizure precautions.

Question 9

Sodium: Think “Neuro.”

Answer 9

Changes in sodium can cause confusion, seizures, and altered mental status.
#1 priority = seizure precautions.

Question 10

Potassium: Think “Cardiac.”

Answer 10

Potassium
imbalances lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so
always monitor ECG changes, especially for
peaked T waves from hyperkalemia.

Question 11

Hyperkalemia treatment:

Answer 11

In severe
hyperkalemia, administer IV calcium to stabilize
the heart and give IV insulin with dextrose to
shift potassium into the cells.

Question 12

Calcium: Think “Muscles and Bones.”

Answer 12

Hypocalcemia causes muscle twitching and spasms
(Chvostek/Trousseau), while hypercalcemia leads to weakness and kidney stones

Question 13

Magnesium: Think “Calm and Reflexes.”

Answer 13

Magnesium affects neuromuscular excitability. Low levels
cause twitching; high levels depress mental status, reflexes, and respiration.