Genitourinary System (Electrolyte Imbalances) Flashcards
What helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?
- Thirst mechanism
- Circulating ADH
What is Dehydration?
Excessive loss of body fluids.
- Fluid output > fluid input
What electrolyte deficiency is closely related to dehydration?
Sodium Deficiency
What can cause dehydration?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Profuse Sweating
- Poor fluid intake
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration?
- Poor skin turgor
- headache; irritability
- Postural Hypotension
- Incoordination
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
Normal Serum Level of Potassium?
3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L
Causes of Hypokalemia?
- Cushing’s Disease
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Signs and Symptoms of Hypokalemia? Affect on an EKG?
- Muscle Weakness. Aches and Fatigue
- N/V
Cardiac Arrythmias:
- ST Segment Depression
- T wave inversion
- Prominent U Wave
Causes of Hyperkalemia?
- Addison’s Disease
- Metabolic Acidosis
- Ketoacidosis
- Sickle Cell Anemia
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperkalemia? (EKG)
- Tall/Peaked T waves
- Prolonged P-R interval
- Flattened P- Wave
- Long QRS Duration (wide QRS complex)
Normal Serum Sodium Levels?
135 - 145mEq/L
What can cause Hyponatremia?
- Water intoxication
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia?
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Increased Intracerebral Pressure
What can cause Hypernatremia?
- Dehydration
Signs and Symptoms of Hypernatremia?
- Circulatory Congestion: Pitting edema, weight gain
- Dyspnea; SOB
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
Normal Serum Calcium Levels?
8.4 - 10.4 mEq/L
Causes of Hypocalcemia?
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D
Signs and Symptoms of Hypocalcemia?
- Muscle Cramps, Tetany, Spasms
- Convulsion
- Arrythmia’s
- Hypotension
“C for Cramps”
Causes of Hypercalcemia?
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tumor
Normal Serum Magnesium Levels?
1.8 - 2.4 mg/dL
Signs and symptoms of Hypomagnesemia?
- Hyperirritability
- Confusion
- Leg and Foot Cramps
What can cause hypermagnesemia?
- Addison’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
Signs and Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia? Effects on Reflexes?
- Hyporeflexia
- Muscle Weakness
- Lethargy and Confusion
- Bradycardia and Hypotension
Excess magnesium depresses the conduction system of the heart
What may cause hyperventilation to occur (acid-base imbalance)
Metabolic Acidosis and Respiratory Acidosis
What may cause hypoventilation to occur (acid-base imbalance)
Metabolic Alkalosis and Respiratory Alkalosis
What can cause Hypomagnesemia?
Hypoparathyroidism