Module 4 Electrolytes Fluid

Question 1

What is the primary extracellular electrolyte?

Answer 1

Sodium

Question 2

What is Hyponatremia and what are some causes and what are some effects?

Answer 2

A sodium deficit. Losses from excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Use of diuretic drugs combined w/ low salt diet. Hormonal imbalances, early chronic renal failure and excessive water intake. Effects include fatigue, muscle cramps and abdominal discomfort, hypovolemia, and low BP. The brain cells may swell causing confusion, headache, weakness or seizure.

Question 3

What is the primary intercellular electrolyte?

Answer 3

Potassium

Question 4

What is the normal pH range?

Answer 4

7.35-7.45 lower is acidic and higher is basic

Question 5

What are 4 causes of Edema?

Answer 5

Increased plasma hydrostatic pressure in capillaries, Loss of Albumin, obstruction of lymph circulation, and increased capillary permeability.

Question 6

What is Edema?

Answer 6

Excessive amount of fluid in the interstitial compartment. May be localized or throughout body.

Question 7

What are the effects of edema?

Answer 7

Swelling (local), pitting edema, increase in body weight, functional impairment, pain, impaired arterial circulation,

Question 8

What are causes of Dehydration?

Answer 8

vomiting and diarrhea, excessive sweating w/ loss of sodium and water, diabetic ketoacidosis (loss of fluid, electrolytes, and glucose in the urine), insufficient water intake, use of concentrated formula in infants.

Question 9

What are effects of dehydration?

Answer 9

Dry mucous membrane, low BP, weak pulse, fatigue, decreased mental function, confusion, loss of consciousness.

Question 10

What are some functions of Calcium?

Answer 10

Provide structural strength for bones/teeth, maintenance of the stability of nerve membranes, muscle contractions, blood clotting, necessary for many metabolic processes and enzyme reactions.

Question 11

What are some causes of Hypocalcemia?

Answer 11

Hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndrome, deficient serum albumin, increased serum pH level, renal failure.

Question 12

What are the effects of Hypocalcemia?

Answer 12

Increase in the permeability and exitability of nerve membranes (spontaneous stimulation; twitching, spasm), weak heart contractions, increased calcium intake.

Question 13

What are some effects of Hypercalcemia?

Answer 13

Depressed neurmuscular activity (muscle weakness, loss of tone, anorexia, nausea), Interference with ADH function (less absorption of water, decreased renal function), Increased strength in cardiac contractions (dysrhythmias may occur),

Question 14

When does Decompensation occur?

Answer 14

When causative problems become more severe, additional problems occur, compensation mechanisms are exceeded or fail. Requires intervention and is life-threatening.

Question 15

What are effects of Alkaosis?

Answer 15

Increased irritability of the nervous system which includes restlessness, muscle twitching, tingling/numbness of fingers, tetany, seizures and coma.

Question 16

What are the 2 types of Alkalosis?

Answer 16

Respiratory (hyperventilation) and Metabolic (increase in serum bicarbonate ion)

Question 17

What are treatments of electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 17

Treatment of underlying causes, immediate corrective measures, addition of bicarbonate to reverse acidosis, modification of diet to maintain better electrolyte balance.

Question 18

What are some causes of Hypokalemia? Potassium.

Answer 18

Excessive losses caused by diarrhea, dieresis associated w/ some diuretic drugs, excessive testosterone or glucocorticoids, decreased dietary intake, treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis w/ insulin.

Question 19

What are the effects of Hypokalemia?

Answer 19

Cardiac dysrhythmias caused by impaired re polarization, interference w/ neuromuscular function, paresthesias (pins/needles), decreased digestive tract motility, shallow respiration and polyuria.

Question 20

What are some causes of Hyperkalemia?

Answer 20

Renal failure, deficit of aldosterone, potassium-sparing diuretics, leaking intracellular potassium into extracelluar fluids, displacement of potassium from cells prolonged or severe acidosis.

Question 21

What is the normal range for Potassium

Answer 21

3.5-5mmols