problems with electrolytes

Question 1

What is hypernatremia?

Answer 1

Hypernatremia is too much sodium in the body compared to water. It occurs when sodium levels are >145 mEq/L. Common symptoms include dry skin, mucous membranes, hypertension, and increased thirst.

Question 2

What are early signs of hypernatremia?

Answer 2

Early signs include dry skin and mucous membranes, hypertension, weight gain, decreased urine output, increased thirst, irritability, and weakness.

Question 3

What are late signs of hypernatremia?

Answer 3

Late signs include confusion, seizures, hyperreflexia, coma, and cerebral hemorrhaging.

Question 4

What is hyponatremia?

Answer 4

Hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels are <135 mEq/L, leading to cellular swelling and impacting cellular functions.

Question 5

What are early signs of hyponatremia?

Answer 5

Early signs include weakness, lethargy, confusion, muscle twitching, and depressed reflexes.

Question 6

What are late signs of hyponatremia?

Answer 6

Late signs include seizures, coma, hypotension, and hypochloremia.

Question 7

What is hyperchloremia?

Answer 7

Hyperchloremia is an elevated serum chloride level >105 mEq/L. It often occurs with low bicarbonate levels or hypernatremia.

Question 8

What are common symptoms of hyperchloremia?

Answer 8

Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, excessive thirst, dry mucous membranes, hypertension, and metabolic acidosis.

Question 9

What is hypochloremia?

Answer 9

Hypochloremia is a low serum chloride level <95 mEq/L, often caused by vomiting or high suctioning.

Question 10

What are symptoms of hypochloremia?

Answer 10

Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, and diarrhea.

Question 11

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 11

Hyperkalemia is a high serum potassium concentration >5 mEq/L, commonly caused by increased potassium intake, decreased renal excretion, or cellular shifts.

Question 12

What are symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Answer 12

Symptoms include muscle weakness, restlessness, loss of muscle tone, paralysis, ECG changes, and dysrhythmias.

Question 13

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 13

Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium concentration <3.5 mEq/L caused by reduced intake, increased entry into cells, or increased losses.

Question 14

What are symptoms of hypokalemia?

Answer 14

Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, hyporeflexia, flaccid paralysis, ECG changes, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Question 15

What is hypercalcemia?

Answer 15

Hypercalcemia is a high serum calcium concentration >10.5 mg/dL caused by hyperparathyroidism, bone metastases, or excess vitamin D.

Question 16

What are classic symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Answer 16

Symptoms include muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, abdominal pain, anxiety, and altered mental status.

Question 17

What is hypocalcemia?

Answer 17

Hypocalcemia is a low serum calcium concentration <8.8 mg/dL caused by low vitamin D, low PTH, or inadequate absorption.

Question 18

What are symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Answer 18

Symptoms include Chvostek sign, tetany, seizures, tingling, hyperactive reflexes, intestinal cramping, and arrhythmias.

Question 19

What is hypermagnesemia?

Answer 19

Hypermagnesemia is a high serum magnesium concentration >3 mEq/L, often due to renal insufficiency or excess magnesium intake.

Question 20

What are symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

Answer 20

Symptoms include hyporeflexia, hypotension, bradycardia, flushing, lethargy, and dysrhythmias.

Question 21

What is hypomagnesemia?

Answer 21

Hypomagnesemia is a low serum magnesium concentration <1.8 mEq/L, often caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, or urinary losses.

Question 22

What are symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

Answer 22

Symptoms include hyperreflexia, muscle cramps, confusion, seizures, tremors, irritability, and dysrhythmias.

Question 23

What is hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 23

Hyperphosphatemia is a high serum phosphate concentration >5 mg/dL caused by renal failure or excess phosphate intake.

Question 24

What are symptoms of hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 24

Symptoms often relate to hypocalcemia, such as increased neuromuscular excitability, and can lead to complications in bone and cardiovascular health.

Question 25

What is hypophosphatemia?

Answer 25

Hypophosphatemia is a low serum phosphate concentration <2.5 mg/dL caused by malabsorption, alcohol abuse, or hyperparathyroidism.

Question 26

What are symptoms of hypophosphatemia?

Answer 26

Symptoms include confusion, irritability, numbness, convulsions, respiratory failure, and bone resorption.