Muscle Cramps Flashcards
What is the definition of muscle cramps?
o Painful muscle contractions in extremities or abdomen
Causes?
o Rapid or excessive fluid removal, hypo-osmolality, tissue hypoxemia/ischemia, electrolyte disorders or imbalances: low sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, any local irritating factor or metabolic abnormality of a muscle (e.g., severe cold, lack of blood flow, over‐exercise)
Symptoms?
o Painful cramps usually occur late in dialysis
Interventions?
o Massage or apply opposing force, stretching of affected muscle, reduce or discontinue UFR, assess target weight, for severe cramping a normal saline bolus maybe be indicated as prescribed
Prevention?
o Appropriate dietary control of fluid and electrolytes, UFR of ≤13 mL/kg/hr, decrease sodium loading, increase treatment time, UF profiling
