NURS 171: Major Electrolytes

Question 1

Major Electrolytes

Answer 1

• Sodium (Na+)
• Potassium (K+)
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Chloride
• Phosphate
• Bicarbonate

Question 2

Sodium (Na+)

Answer 2

(135- 145 mEq/L)

• regulates fluid volume
• major electrolyte in ECF
• moves by active transport
• interacts with calcium to maintain muscle contraction
• stimulates conduction of nerve impulses
• kidneys excrete + reabsorb (maintains ECF volume)
• excessive intake can affect BP (high)
• regulated by aldosterone + ADH
• low sodium –> excess water intake

Question 3

Sodium (Na+) Range

Answer 3

135- 145 mEq/L

Question 4

Potassium (K+)

Answer 4

(3. 5- 5 mEq/L)
- key in cellular metabolism
- major electrolyte in ICF
- transmits electrical impulses in multiple body systems
- regulates conduction of cardiac rhythm
- deficiency associated with increased BP; risk of stroke
- kidneys retain or excretes; assists with acid-base balance
- regulated by aldosterone
- lost through vomiting, diarrhea, many diuretics

Question 5

Potassium (k+) Range

Answer 5

3.5- 5 mEq/L

Question 6

Calcium

Answer 6

• most abundant electrolyte in the body
• catalyst for many cellular activities
• important in bone + teeth health, neuromuscular function, and cardiac function
• regulates muscle contraction
• essential in blood clotting
• insufficiency–> osteoporosis
• formation of clots
• absorption needs vitamin D
• increase in calcium, decreased phosphorus (vice versa)

Question 7

Magnesium

Answer 7

• second most abundant electrolyte in ICF
• many cellular functions
• involved in protein + CHO metabolism
• needed for protein + DNA synthesis
• loss–> triggered by diuretics, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, excess alcohol intake
• involved in electrical activity in nerve + muscle membranes (including the heart)

Question 8

Chloride

Answer 8

• major electrolyte in ECF
• bound to other ions like NA+ to maintain fluid balance
• essential for productions of HCl for gastric secretions
• functions as buffer in oxygen- carbon dioxide exchange in RBCs
• assists with acid-base balance

Question 9

Phosphate

Answer 9

(phosphorus)

• major electrolyte in ICF
• catalyst for many intracellular activities
• promotes muscle + nerve action
• bound with calcium in teeth + bone; inverse relationship

Question 10

Bicarbonate

Answer 10

• major buffer in the body
• maintains acid-base balance
• regulated by kidneys
• lost through diarrhea, diuretics, renal insufficiency