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.