Minerals and Electrolytes Flashcards
What are the seven major minerals?
Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Potassium Magnesium Chloride Sulfur
What are the ten trace elements?
Iron Iodine Zinc Copper Manganese Chromium Cobalt Selenium Molybdenum Fluoride
Electrically charged minerals that cause physiological reactions that maintain homeostasis
Electrolytes
Maintains fluid volume
Allows muscle contractions
CV support
Sodium (Na)
Major sources of sodium
Table salt
added salts
Processed foods
Butter
Sx of sodium deficiency
Muscle cramping
Cardiac changes
Sx of sodium excess
Fluid retention
Hypertension
CVA
Nursing implications for sodium
Monitor ECG, edema, and BP
Maintains fluid volume inside/outside cells
Muscle action
BP
CV support
Potassium (K)
Major sources of potassium
Oranges Dried fruits Tomatoes Avocadoes Dried peas Meats Broccoli Bananas
Sx of potassium deficiency
Dysrhythmias
Muscle cramps
Confusion
Symptoms of potassium excess
Dysrhythmias r/t supplements, K-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, inadequate kidney function, diabetes
Nursing implications for potassium
Monitor ECG and muscle tone
PO tablets irritate the GI system
Give with meals
Bonds to other minerals (esp sodium) to facilitate cellular actions and reactions, fluid balance
Chloride (Cl)
Major sources of chloride
Table salt
Sx of excess of chloride
High BP
Nursing implications for chloride
Monitor sodium levels
Bones/teeth
CV support
Blood clotting
Nerve transmission
Calcium (Ca)
Major sources of calcium
Dairy Broccoli Kale Grains Egg yolks
Sx of calcium deficiency
Osteoporosis
Tetany
Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
ECG changes
Sx of calcium excess
Constipation
Kidney stones
Nursing implications for calcium
Monitor ECG and muscle tone
Give PO tablets with vitamin D
Bone nourishment
Catalyst for many enzyme reactions
Nerve/muscle function
CV support
Magnesium (Mg)
Major sources of magnesium
Green leafy vegetables Nuts Grains Meat Milk
Sx of magnesium deficiency
Weakness Dysrhythmias Tetany Seizure Reduced blood clotting Eclampsia
Sx of magnesium excess
Diarrhea
Kidney stones
Decreased muscle control
CV changes
Nursing implications for magnesium
Incompatible with some antibiotics
Give PO, 2 hr apart
Energy transfer of RNA/DNA
Acid-base imbalance
Bone and teeth formation
Phosphorus (P)
Major sources of phosphorus
Dairy Peas Soft drinks Meat Eggs Some grains
Sx of phosphorus deficiency
Calcium level changes
Muscle weakness
Sx of phosphorus excess
Skeletal porosity
Decreased calcium levels
Must stay in balance with calcium
Nursing implications of phosphorus
Evaluate use of antacids and the use of alcohol
A component of vitamin structure
By-product of protein metabolism
Sulfur (S)
Major sources of sulfur
Dried fruits (dates, raisins, apples)
Meats
Red and white wines
Sx of sulfur deficiency
Only seen in severe protein malnourishment, found in all protein-containing foods
Sx of sulfur excess
Toxicity has a very low risk
Nursing implications for sulfur
Sulfur levels are not usually monitored
Used for synthesis of thyroxine (thyroid hormone that helps regulate metabolism)
Iodine
When iodine is lacking, the thyroid gland enlarges into a
Goiter
Provides a good amount of iodine
Seafood
Recommended daily amount of iodine a day is
100 - 150 mcg for adults
Responsible for hemoglobin formation/function, cellular oxidation of glucose, antibody production, and collagen synthesis. The body scavenges this from dying RBC and stores it for later use.
Iron
Iron supplements may cause
Constipation
N/v
Diarrhea
Teeth discoloration (liquid form)
Teaching with iron supplements
Take with food to avert GI symptoms
Encourage fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber diet
Unneeded supplements can become toxic
How do you administer IM iron?
Z-track method
Food sources of iron
Organ meats
Egg yolks
Whole grains
Green leafy vegetables
What vitamin increases absorption of iron?
Vitamin C
When is the greatest need for iron?
Newborn that is not breastfed
Females during menstruating years
Forms a bond with calcium and thus accumulates in calcified body tissue (bones and teeth)
Fluoride
Teaching with fluoride
Teach pts who prefer bottled water that they may need fluoride treatments from their dentist
Minimum daily amount of water needed is
1500 mL
Greatest elimination of water is through
the kidneys
