Patho Electrolyte Quiz

Electrolyte

substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water.

Cation

positivley charged electrolyte

Anion

Negativley charged electrolyte

K, Na, Cl, Ca

The main major electrolytes are ______

Extracellular Anion

Chlorine is an _____

Major extracellular cation

Sodium is a _____

Major intracellular Cation

Potassium is a _____

extracellular cation

Calcium is an _____

Hyponatremia

Causes: excessive water in ecf
Effects: fluid shifting into cells
Signs: muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, low b/p, brain swelling, confusion.

<135 mEq/L

Hypernatremia

Causes: loss of water, prolonged quick breathing, not enough ADH.
Effects: fluid shifts into ecf to balance the concentration.
Signs: Seizures, weakness, agitation, brain shrinkage, dry/rough mucos membranes

>145 mEq/L

Hypokalemia

Causes: prescription diuretic drugs, vomit, diarrhea, excessive alcohol abuse
Effects: cardiac dysrhythmia, decrease in muscular response to stimulus and decrease in GI.
Signs: Cardiac arrest, anorexia, nausea/constipation, muscle weakness/cramping, parasthesia.

<3.5 mEq/L

Hyperkalemia

Causes: Renal/kidney failure, exstensive tissue damage.
Effects: decrease in heart contractility, heart block, muscle weakness.
Signs: cardiac arrest, muscle twitching, muscle weakness.

>5.0 mEq/L

Hypocalcemia

Causes: removal of thyroid, decrease in vitamin d levels, kidney disease.
Effects: Impaired muscle contraction, impaired cardiac conduction.
Signs: Muscle spasms, tetany, positive Chvostek signs, prolonged bleeding, decreased clotting time.

<8.5 mg/dL

Hypercalcemia

Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, increased use of antiacids, too much calcium released from bones, bone breakdown from immobility, increased vitamin D.
Effects: decrease in neuromuscular activity, ADH Impairment, increased cardiac contraction strength.
Signs: polyuria (excessive peeing), kidney stones, heart arrythmias, cardiac arrest, confusion, comas.

>10.5 mg/dL

Na+ ranges

135-145 mEq/L

K+ ranges

3.5-5 mEq/L

Ca+ ranges

8.5-10.5 mg/dL