Question | Answer |
Hypernatremia | Thirst
Flushed, dry skin
Sticky mucous membranes
Orthostatic hypotension
Agitation
Low grade fever
Altered cerebral functioning
Hypotonic IV solutions |
Hyponatremia | Low sodium diet
Increased GI motility- watery
diarrhea
Irritability, anxiety, confusion
Muscle weakness, tremors
Seizures
Tachycardia
Sodium
Major cation in ECF
Regulates body fluids
Transmission/conduction
of nerve impulses |
Hyperkalemia | Renal Failure
Irritability
Muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis
Irregular heart rate, hypotension
Tall peaked T waves, Wide QRS
Kayexalate, diuretics, dialysis
Level above 5.0 |
Hypokalemia | Loss due to diuretics, vomiting,
Skeletal muscle weakness
U- wave
Constipation
Toxicity of digitalis
Irregular weak pulse
Orthostatic hypotension
Numbness, leg cramps |
Potassium | Transmission of electrical impulse
In heart and muscles
Affects cell use of insulin
Primary intracellular cation |
Hypercalcemia | Bone loss, fractures, malignancies
Prolonged immobilization
Depressed deep tendon reflexes
Polyuria, hypoactive bowel sounds
Lethargy, weakness, confusion
3000 to 4000 cc fluid/day
Increased intake- supplements or
antacids |
Hypocalcemia | Inadequate Vitamin D intake
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Positive Chvosteks sign
Positive Trousseau sign
Tetany
Easy fatigue
Anxiety, confusion |
Calcium | Provides rigidity/strength to bones
and teeth
Aids in muscle/cardiac contractility
Participates in blood coagulation
Parathyroid Hormone/ Calcitonin |
Hypermagnesemia | Loss of deep tendon reflexes
Lethargy, drowsiness
Bradycardia, hypotension
Treatment: loop diuretics
Avoid Milk of Magnesia
Slow, shallow respirations |
Hypomagnesemia | Alcoholism
Acute renal failure
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Paralytic ileus
Positive Chvosteks sign
Positive Trousseau sign
Eat: rolled oats, tuna, raisens, pork
Peanut butter, chocolate |
Magnesium | Normal range: 1.3 – 2.1 mg/dL
Contracts myocardium
Levels are linked to albumin level
Influences utilization of K+, Ca++ and PRO
Aids in neuromuscular activity |
| |