Phosphorous Imbalances

Question 1

Which electrolyte has an inverse relationship with phosphorous

Answer 1

Calcium (calcium and phosphorous are inversely related)

Question 2

Calcium and phosphorous are inversely related

Answer 2

High calcium low phosphorous
Low calcium high phosphorous

Question 3

Word for high phosphorous

Answer 3

Hyperphosphatemia

Question 4

Word for low phosphorous

Answer 4

Hypophosphatemia

Question 5

Hyperphosphatemia causes

Answer 5

Renal failure (#1 cause)
Laxatives/enema with phosphorous
Hypoparathyroidism

Question 6

Hypophosphatemia causes

Answer 6

Malnutrition
Vitamin D deficiency
Chronic alcohol use (related to inadequate nutrition)
Severe diarrhea

Question 7

Hyperphosphatemia manifestations

Answer 7

Usually ASYMPTOMATIC
Typically only symptoms of hypocalcemia: muscle spasms, paresthesia, tetany, +Chvostek’s/Trousseau’s sign
(these symptoms are NOT directly related to phosphorous but are directly related to simultaneous hypocalcemia)

Question 8

Hyperphosphatemia nursing care

Answer 8

Treat the cause
Use calcium-based phosphate binders (i.e., calcium carbonate)
Hemodialysis (with SEVERE hyperphosphatemia)

Question 9

Hypophosphatemia manifestations

Answer 9

CNS depression (confusion, coma)
Muscle weakness (including of respiratory muscles and this can be life-threatening)

Question 10

Hypophosphatemia nursing care

Answer 10

IV or oral replacement (with dairy products or phosphate supplements)
Management of CKD or hypercalcemia (since calcium and phosphorous are so closely related)

Question 11

Nursing consideration for IV phosporous replacement

Answer 11

Give IV over a LONG period of time