Module 2: Fluid & Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
Potassium Normal Range
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Sodium Normal Range
135-145 mEq/L
Calcium Normal Range
8.5-10.2 mg/dL
Function of Sodium in the body
regulates fluid balance (water retention)
nerve impulses
muscle contractions
Main factors that increase sodium
DEHYDRATION
kidney dysfunction
TUBE FEEDINGS (bc it’s hypertonic)
vomiting/diarrhea
diaphoresis
Main factors that decrease sodium
fluid overload
excess fluid loss
GI suctioning
vomiting/diarrhea
potassium-sparing diuretics
inadequate sodium intake
hypertonic solutions
Main S/S of decreased sodium
CONFUSION
seizures
MUSCLE WEAKNESS
restlessness
(seizure -> coma -> death)
Main S/s of increased sodium
edema
HYPERTENSION
CNS effects
excessive thirst
DRY
nausea/vomiting
LOW GRADE FEVER
DECREASED URINE OUTPUT
Nursing considerations for sodium
hyponatremia is helped by hypertonic IV fluids
I&O
daily weights
monitor fluid balance
NEURO ASSESSMENT
Function of Potassium in the body
cardiac (rhythm)
CNS
if Na goes up, K goes down (vice versa)
Main factors that cause increased potassium
RENAL FAILURE
diabetes
DEHYDRATION
ACIDOSIS (metabolic or respiratory)
burns/traumatic injury
excessive potassium intake
Main factors that cause decreased potassium
diuretics (non-potassium sparing)
DIARRHEA
VOMITING
Main S/S of decreased potassium
muscle twitches/cramps
NUMBNESS/TINGLING
NAUSEA
VOMITING
ILEUS (no peristalsis)
Main S/S of increased potassium
heart palpitations
SOB
angina
cramping
arrhythmias
diarrhea
tachypnea
bradycardia
abdominal cramping
decreased BP
Nursing considerations for potassium
non-K sparing diuretics (furosemide) = hypokalemia, closely monitor, may require K+ supplements
NEVER give K+ as IV push or injection - only oral route or via infusion pump (on slow)
I&O
Function of Calcium in the body
blood coagulation
bone/teeth formation
Main Factors causing decreased calcium
renal disease
decreased Ca and vitamin D intake
increased Mg levels
Main S/S of decreased calcium
positive trousseau’s sign:
-wrist flexion when inflating BP cuff
positive chvostek’s sign:
tap on cheek and will cause muscles to contract
-facial twitching
-arrhythmias
-numbness and tingling
-diarrhea
Main S/s of increased calcium
muscle weakness
fatigue and weakness
constipation
hypo-active reflexes
bone pain
renal calculi
bradycardia/bradypnea
Nursing considerations for calcium
hypocalcemia = increased risk for fractures and bleeding
Function of hypotonic fluids
ECF moves inside cell
CELL SWELLS
Uses for hypotonic fluids
dehydrated cells
diabetic ketoacidosis
hyperglycemia (increased bl sugar)
Side effects of hypotonic fluids
can cause cell lysis
decreased bp
Examples of hypotonic fluids
5% dextrose in water (D5W)
0.25% NaCl (1/4 NS)
0.45% NaCl (1/2 NS)
Function of isotonic fluids
increase ECF volume (blood volume)
Uses for isotonic fluids
blood loss
surgery
vomit
diarrhea
dehydration
Examples of isotonic fluids
lactated ringers (LR)
0.9% NaCl (NS)
5% dextrose in water (D5W) (in bag)
Function of hypertonic fluids
ICF moves outside of cell
CELL SHRINKS
Uses of hypertonic fluids
swollen cells
CEREBRAL EDEMA
HYPONATREMIA
Side effects of hypertonic fluids
can cause fluid overload (PE)
can cause phlebitis
Examples of hypertonic fluids
5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl
5% dextrose in 0.9% NaCl (NS)
3% NaCl