Electrolytes and Imbalances

Flashcards about electrolytes, their functions, and imbalances.

Potassium (K+)

Typical values are 3.5-5.0. Primary function involves pumping the heart.

HYPERkalemia

Potassium level over 5.0. Manifestations include peaked T waves, ST elevation, V Fib, cardiac arrest, hypotension, bradycardia, increased DTR, paralysis, paresthesia, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and hyperactive bowel sounds.

HYPOkalemia

Potassium level below 3.0. Manifestations include flat T waves, ST depression, U waves, shallow respirations, decreased DTR, muscle cramping, flaccid paralysis, constipation, hypoactive bowel sounds, and paralytic ileus.

Aldosterone - 'A' function

Adds Sodium.

Aldosterone - 'L' function

Loses Potassium.

Sodium (Na+)

Typical values are 135-145. Maintains blood pressure, blood volume, and pH balance. Related to sodium.

Sodium function

Swells the body with fluid.

HYPERnatremia

Sodium level over 145. Manifestations include edema, flushed skin, increased muscle tone, swollen dry tongue, nausea & vomiting.

HYPOnatremia

Sodium level below 135. Manifestations include headache, cerebral edema, mental status changes, seizures, coma, fatigue, muscle cramps, and respiratory arrest.

Chloride (Cl-)

Typical values are 97-107. Maintains blood pressure, blood volume, and pH balance.

HYPERchloremia

Chloride level over 107. Nearly same symptoms as HIGH sodium. Includes Swollen dry tongue & Nausea and Vomiting.

HYPOchloremia

Chloride level below 97. Nearly same symptoms as LOW sodium. Includes fatigue & muscle cramps and fever

Magnesium (Mg+)

Typical values are 1.3-2.1. Mellows the muscles.

HYPERmagnesemia

Magnesium level over 2.1. Manifestations include heart block, hypotension, bradycardia, hyporeflexia, depressed respirations, and hypoactive bowel sounds.

HYPOmagnesemia

Magnesium level below 1.3. Manifestations include Torsades de Pointes & V Fib, hyperreflexia, and diarrhea with hyperactive bowel sounds.

Calcium (Ca)

Typical values are 9.0-10.5. Contracts the muscles and keeps the 3 B's strong. Bone, blood (clotting) and beats (heart)

Consequences of Low Calcium

Condition when bones are weak and can causes fractures, weak blood can cause risk for bleeding and weak beats can cause cardiac dysrhythmias.

HYPERcalcemia

Calcium level over 10.5. Manifestations include kidney stones, constipation, bone pain, and severe muscle weakness & lethargy.

HYPOcalcemia

Calcium level below 9.0. Manifestations include Trousseau's Sign, Chvostek's Sign and Diarrhea

Phosphate

Typical values are 3.0-4.5.

HYPERphosphatemia

Phosphate level over 4.5. Think Low Calcium signs: Trousseau's & Tetany and Chvostek's.

HYPOphosphatemia

Phosphate level below 3.0. Think High Calcium signs: kidney stones and constipation.