Phosphorus - Electrolytes

Question 1

normal range for phosphorus?

Answer 1

2.5 -4.5

Question 2

phosphorus has an inverse (opposite) relationship with what other electrolyte?

Answer 2

with Calcium
Low Phosphate —- high calcium
** High calcium= cardiac and neuromuscular problems

Question 3

where is phosphorus found? and what is its function?

Answer 3

1. Most of phosphorus is found in teeth/bones like calcium
2. Functions:
   Bone and teeth formation
   Repair cell tissues/Energy Production through ATP
   Nervous system
   Muscle Function

Question 4

where is phosphorus absorbed and secreted and where/ what is it regulated by?

Answer 4

absorbed: Intestines
secreted: Kidneys
Regulated: Parathyroid and Calcitriol

Question 5

what food is high in phosphorus?

Answer 5

Dairy
Meats/beans

Question 6

what causes HYPOphophatemia? 5

Answer 6

less than 2.4
1. Malnutrition/starvation
Increased Phosphorous excretion
2. Hyperparathyroidism (Calcium increases : Phos drops)
3. Malignancy
4. Diuretics/Diarrhea
5. Use of magnesium/aluminum antacids (Increases Ca, depletes phos)

Question 7

what are the signs and symptoms of HYPOphosphatemia?
cardiac:
GI:
GU:
Nuero:
MUSC:

Answer 7

Cardio: Decreased BP/HR
GI: hypoactive Bowel sounds
GU: Kidney stones
NEURO: Altered LOC
MUSC: Severe muscle weakness
Bone pain/fractures

Question 8

what are the nursing interventions for HYPOphosphatemia? 4

Answer 8

1. Replace Phosphorus IV/PO
2. Give slow
3. Administer oral phosphorus with Vitamin D
4. Fracture precautions

Question 9

what causes HYPERphosphatemia? 5

Answer 9

greater than 4.5
1. Increased Phosphorus intake
2. Overuse of laxative
3. Renal insufficiency= Decreased excretion
4. Hyperparathyroidism
5. Hypocalcemia

Question 10

signs and symptoms of HYPERphosphatemia?

Answer 10

1. GI: Diarrhea
   Hyperactive bowel sounds
2. Neuromuscular:
   Positive Trousseau’s/Chvostek’s
   Painful muscle spasms
   Hyperactive Deep tendon reflexes
   Irritable skeletal muscles –twitches, tetany, seizures
3. Osteoporosis- body trying to get more calcium

Question 11

nursing interventions for HYPERphosphatemia? 7

Answer 11

1. replace Calcium (IV/PO)
2. IV Calcium gluconate 10% (Monitor BP,HR)
3. Vitamin D when giving PO
4. Aluminum Hydroxide (Tums)
5. Initiate seizure precautions
6. Move pt carefully
7. Educate on calcium rich foods