Pathopharmacology II exam 1 Flashcards
Normal range for sodium
135-145 mEq/L
causes and symptoms of low sodium (hyponatremia)
causes: fluid overload, SIADH, excessive water intake, diuretics
symptoms: confusion, seizures, headache, muscle weakness, nausea
Causes and Symptoms of High Sodium (Hypernatremia)
Causes: Dehydration, excessive salt intake, diabetes insipidus. Symptoms: Thirst, agitation, confusion, seizures, muscle twitching.
Normal Range for Potassium (K)
3.5–5.0 mEq/L
Causes and Symptoms of Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Causes: Diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, inadequate intake, excessive insulin.
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramping, arrhythmias, fatigue, constipation.
Causes and Symptoms of High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Causes: Kidney failure, acidosis, medications, trauma.
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, tingling, paralysis, dangerous arrhythmias (e.g., peaked T waves).
Normal Range for Magnesium (Mg)
1.5–2.5 mEq/L
Causes and Symptoms of Low Magnesium (Hypomagnesemia)
Causes: Poor absorption, diuretics, malnutrition. Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tremors, confusion, arrhythmias, seizures.
Causes and Symptoms of High Magnesium (Hypermagnesemia)
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive intake from antacids or laxatives. Symptoms: Muscle weakness, respiratory depression, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, lethargy.
Normal Range for Calcium (Ca)
8.6–10.2 mg/dL
Causes and Symptoms of Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia)
Causes: Vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, renal disease, pancreatitis.
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tetany, tingling, Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs, seizures.
Causes and Symptoms of High Calcium (Hypercalcemia)
Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive calcium or vitamin D intake.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, nausea, kidney stones, confusion, arrhythmias.
Key Functions of Sodium
Primarily affects neurological function.
Key Functions of Potassium
Critical for cardiac health.
Key Functions of Magnesium
Helps with muscle and nerve function, often tied to potassium and calcium.
Key Functions of Calcium
Impacts muscle and bone health and nerve transmission.
What are the main functions of the GI tract?
Digestion, absorption of nutrients, and removal of waste.
Which nervous system increases GI motility?
Parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the role of bile?
Bile helps digest fats and is stored in the gallbladder.
Main difference between Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Crohn’s: skip lesions, can affect any GI part; UC: continuous inflammation, mainly in colon and rectum.
What is diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis: small pouches in the colon; Diverticulitis: inflamed/infected pouches.
Normal sodium range and symptoms of hyponatremia?
135-145 mEq/L; symptoms: confusion, seizures, muscle weakness.
What is the normal potassium range, and what does hyperkalemia affect?
3.5-5.0 mEq/L; hyperkalemia affects the heart (arrhythmias).
Key function of calcium in the body?
Muscle contraction and nerve signaling; inverse relationship with phosphorus.
What happens with hypomagnesemia?
Symptoms: muscle cramps, tremors, arrhythmias.
Main symptoms of fluid overload?
Edema, high BP, crackles in lungs, jugular vein distention.
Normal pH range and what does acidosis indicate?
7.35-7.45; acidosis is pH <7.35, often due to high CO₂ or low HCO₃.
What does ROME stand for in ABG interpretation?
Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal (helps determine acid-base imbalances).
What ABG result suggests metabolic alkalosis?
High pH and high HCO₃ (often due to vomiting or diuretics).
Primary action of antacids?
Neutralize stomach acid, relieve heartburn.
What are PPIs, and when are they used?
Proton Pump Inhibitors reduce stomach acid, used for GERD, PUD.
Function of H2 Blockers (e.g., Ranitidine)?
Reduce stomach acid by blocking H2 receptors; treat ulcers and GERD.
When is Sucralfate used?
Forms a protective barrier over ulcers; take before meals.
Common side effects of magnesium-based antacids?
Diarrhea; contraindicated in renal failure.
Primary functions of the liver?
Detoxifies blood, metabolizes drugs, produces bile, stores glycogen.
What is cirrhosis?
Chronic liver damage, scarring; causes include alcohol, hepatitis.
Symptoms of cholelithiasis (gallstones)?
Severe abdominal pain, jaundice, fever.
Which drug is commonly used for nausea and vomiting?
Ondansetron (Zofran).
What lifestyle changes can help prevent constipation?
Increase fiber, hydrate, and exercise.
Most critical electrolyte to monitor with diarrhea?
Potassium, due to risk of hypokalemia.
What is the main use of isotonic fluids like 0.9% NS?
Maintain fluid balance, used in hypovolemic patients.
When are hypertonic solutions (e.g., 3% NS) used?
Treat severe hyponatremia or cerebral edema; risk of fluid overload.
Key symptoms of fluid volume deficit (dehydration)?
Dry mucous membranes, low BP, high HR, decreased urine output.
Key intervention for conjunctivitis?
PINK EYE Isolate patient to prevent spread; apply antibiotic drops if bacterial.
Expected symptom of otitis media?
Ear pain, sometimes fever.
Important care for dermatitis?
Avoid scented soaps; use fragrance-free products.
What are the main reasons for administering IV fluids?
To manage fluid volume excess or deficit and correct electrolyte imbalances.
Key symptoms of fluid volume excess?
Edema, high blood pressure, jugular vein distention, crackles in lungs.
Key symptoms of fluid volume deficit?
Dry mucous membranes, low blood pressure, high heart rate, decreased urine output.
Normal range for Sodium (Na) and its role?
135-145 mEq/L; essential for fluid balance and nerve function.
Symptoms of Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)?
Confusion, seizures, headache, muscle weakness.
Symptoms of Hypernatremia (High Sodium)?
Thirst, agitation, confusion, muscle twitching.
Normal range for Potassium (K) and its role?
3.5-5.0 mEq/L; crucial for heart function and muscle contraction.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)?
Muscle weakness, cramping, arrhythmias, constipation.
Symptoms of Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)?
Muscle weakness, dangerous arrhythmias, tingling.
Role of Calcium (Ca) in the body?
Bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling.
Symptoms of Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium)?
Muscle cramps, tetany, tingling, Chvostek’s sign.
Symptoms of Hypercalcemia (High Calcium)?
Fatigue, kidney stones, confusion, arrhythmias.
Normal range for Magnesium (Mg) and its role?
1.5-2.5 mEq/L; involved in muscle and nerve function.
Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium)?
Muscle cramps, tremors, arrhythmias, seizures.
Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia (High Magnesium)?
Muscle weakness, respiratory depression, low BP.
Role of Phosphorus (P) and relationship with calcium?
Important for energy production and bone health; inversely related to calcium.
What is critical in nursing care for electrolyte imbalances?
Monitor labs, assess symptoms, educate on diet, and adjust IV fluids as needed.
Key education points for patients with fluid or electrolyte imbalances?
Importance of hydration, dietary modifications, and recognizing symptoms of imbalances.
What are isotonic solutions, and when are they used?
Isotonic solutions have the same concentration as blood, used for fluid replacement in hypovolemic states. Examples: 0.9% Normal Saline, Lactated Ringer’s.
What are hypertonic solutions, and when are they used?
Hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration than blood; they pull fluid from cells into the bloodstream. Used for cerebral edema and severe hyponatremia. Examples: 3% Saline, D5NS.
What are hypotonic solutions, and when are they used?
Hypotonic solutions are less concentrated than blood, causing fluid to move into cells. Used for cellular dehydration. Examples: 0.45% Saline, D5W (once in the body).`\
What effect does isotonic fluid have on cells?
No change in cell size; it only expands extracellular fluid.
What happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?
Cells shrink as fluid moves out of the cells into the bloodstream.
What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?
Cells swell as fluid moves from the bloodstream into the cells.
Key nursing action when administering hypertonic solutions?
Monitor for fluid overload and respiratory distress.
When should hypotonic solutions be avoided?
Avoid in patients with increased intracranial pressure, as it can worsen cerebral edema.
Why is 0.9% Normal Saline given with blood products?
It’s isotonic and won’t cause shifts that could damage red blood cells.
Define isotonic IV solutions and give examples.
Isotonic solutions have the same concentration as blood, used for fluid replacement. Examples: 0.9% Normal Saline, Lactated Ringer’s.
Define hypertonic IV solutions and give examples.
Hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration than blood, pulling water out of cells. Examples: 3% Saline, D5NS.
Define hypotonic IV solutions and give examples.
Hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration than blood, causing water to enter cells. Examples: 0.45% Saline, D5W after metabolism.
What effect do isotonic solutions have on cells?
No change; they expand extracellular fluid only.
What effect do hypertonic solutions have on cells?
Cells shrink as fluid moves out.
What effect do hypotonic solutions have on cells?
Cells swell as fluid moves in.
When should hypertonic solutions be used with caution?
In patients with fluid overload risk; monitor for respiratory distress.
Why avoid hypotonic solutions in cerebral edema?
They can worsen brain swelling.
Which solution is safe with blood products?
0.9% Normal Saline (isotonic).
What are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat?
PPIs reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How do PPIs work?
They block the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the stomach lining, reducing acid production.
Common examples of PPIs?
Omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole.
Major side effects of PPIs?
Headache, GI upset, increased risk of bone fractures, and possible C. difficile infection.
Headache, GI upset, increased risk of bone fractures, and possible C. difficile infection.
Take PPIs before meals and avoid long-term use unless prescribed.
What lab value should be monitored with prolonged PPI use?
Monitor magnesium levels due to risk of hypomagnesemia.
What is the main action of Sucralfate?
Forms a protective layer over the GI tract to prevent and treat ulcers.
When should Sucralfate be taken?
On an empty stomach for best effect.
Why should Sucralfate not be taken with other oral medications?
It alters the absorption of other drugs taken by mouth.
Common side effect of Sucralfate?
Constipation.
Key symptoms of fluid volume excess?
Edema, high blood pressure, crackles in lungs, jugular vein distention.
Causes of fluid volume deficit?
Dehydration, hemorrhage, excessive sweating, burns.
Common nursing interventions for fluid volume deficit?
Administer IV fluids, monitor intake/output, assess skin turgor.
When are isotonic fluids (like 0.9% NS) used?
For fluid replacement in hypovolemia without causing fluid shifts in cells.
Difference between enteral and parenteral nutrition?
Enteral is via the GI tract (feeding tube); parenteral is IV, bypassing the GI tract.
Symptoms of hyponatremia?
Confusion, seizures, muscle cramps, nausea
Signs of hyperkalemia?
Muscle weakness, tingling, arrhythmias (especially peaked T waves on ECG).
Nursing care for a patient with electrolyte imbalances?
Monitor labs, assess symptoms, educate on diet, and adjust fluids as needed.
Key symptom of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?
Heartburn, often worsened by lying down or eating spicy foods.
Primary treatment goals for peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
Reduce stomach acid, eradicate H. pylori if present, and promote mucosal healing.
Difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s: affects any part of the GI, skip lesions; UC: continuous inflammation in the colon.
What is the main complication of diverticulitis?
Inflammation or infection of diverticula can lead to abscesses or perforation.
Mechanism of action of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
Block the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, reducing stomach acid production.
Side effects of long-term PPI use?
Increased risk of fractures, C. difficile infection, hypomagnesemia.
Action of antacids in GERD treatment?
Neutralize stomach acid to provide quick relief from heartburn.
What is Sucralfate’s main function in ulcer treatment?
Forms a protective barrier over ulcers, best taken on an empty stomach.
Main symptom of conjunctivitis?
Red, itchy eyes with possible discharge; highly contagious.
Expected symptoms of otitis media?
Ear pain, fever, and sometimes drainage from the ear.
Primary nursing intervention for dermatitis?
Avoid scented products, use gentle moisturizers, and apply topical corticosteroids as needed.
Key side effect of ototoxic medications?
Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Sodium
primarily affects neurological function.
- Potassium
is critical for cardiac health.
- Magnesium
helps with muscle and nerve function, often tied to potassium and calcium.
- Calcium
impacts muscle and bone health and nerve transmission.
