Week 9 - Lab Values - Chloride

Question 1

What are normal values for Chloride?

Answer 1

95 - 108 mEq/L

Question 2

What are the characteristics and functions of chloride?

Answer 2

• most abundant anion outside the cell ECF
• has an affinity to Na+ and K+
• mai ntains a balance between ICF and ECF
• combines with Na+
• combines with hydrogen in the stomach in stomach to make HCl
• assists with nerve transmission, muscle contraction and relaxation –> binds with mag and calcium

Question 3

What values are considered hypochloremia?

Answer 3

anything below 95 mEq/L

Question 4

What are the possible causes of hypochloremia?

Answer 4

GI losses (vomiting/diarrhea)
Excessive sweating
medications (diuretics, excessive ingestion of antacids)

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypochloremia?

Answer 5

Na+, K+,levels may be ↓ (bind to Cl)
Hypotension (dehydration,hypovolemia)
disorientation and confusion, d/t Na K loss
muscle cramps and twitching d/t Na K loss

Question 6

Nursing implications for hypochloremia?

Answer 6

Assess VS, neurological, and CMS
Safety measures (risk for falls)
monitor na+ and k+ levels - IV fluids - most all of IV fluids have Cl in them

Question 7

What values are considered hyperchloremia?

Answer 7

Anything above 108 mEq/L

Question 8

What are the possible causes of hyperchloremia?

Answer 8

↓ excretion or retention by kidneys

hypernatremia (↑ Na = ↑ Cl)

Question 9

What are the symptoms of hyperchloremia?

Answer 9

hypotension and tachycardia, elevated temp, restlessness, lethargy, confusion, ↑ Na+ and K+ levels

Question 10

What are the nursing implications of hyperchloremia?

Answer 10

monitor Na+, K+ labs, assess VS (hypovolemic), neurological and CMS assessments