Fluid & Electrolytes - Kaylee

Lab value for sodium

135-145

Lab value for potassium

3.5-5.0

Lab value for magnesium

1.5-2.5

Lab value for calcium

9-11

Lab value for phosphate

2.5-4.5

What is hyponatremia and what causes it?

Not enough sodium in the body. It is caused my excessive GI fluid loss (vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, diarrhea), drinking too much water which dilutes sodium, and certain medications such as diuretics.

What are the treatments for someone with hyponatremia?

Sodium containing fluids (0.9%NaCl or 3%NaCl), high sodium foods, oral medications

What are some side effects from hyponatremia?

Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion, lethargy, seizures, cerebral edema, coma.

What are some nursing considerations for a patient who has hyponatremia?

Monitor for worsening symptoms, monitor I&Os, monitor for signs of fluid volume overload when administering fluids, monitor level of consciousness

What is hypernatremia and what causes it?

Too much sodium in the body. It is caused by excessive salt intake without adequate fluid intake, watery diarrhea, high fever, sever burns, kidney disease, diuretics.

What are some treatments for a hypernatremia patient?

Fluid replacement, D5W, hypotonic fluids (0.45% NaCl)

What are some side effects for a hypernatremia patient?

Lethargy, confusion, seizures, coma, irritability, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms

What are some nursing considerations for a hypernatremia patient?

Monitor for worsening symptoms, monitor serum electrolytes, monitor I&Os

What is hypokalemia and what causes it?

Low potassium. It is caused by inadequate intake of potassium, GI loss (vomitting, diarrhea), renal losses, loop diuretics, kidney issues.

What are some treatments for a hypokalemia patient?

Oral potassium, high potassium diet, balanced electrolyte solutions

What are some side effects for a hypokalemia patient?

Increased ectopy (PVC’s), muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, constipation, irregular heartbeats

What are some nursing considerations for a hypokalemia patient?

monitor electrolyte levels, oral potassium, high potassium diet, fall precautions.

What is hyperkalemia and what causes it?

Excessive potassium intake, potassium-sparing diuretics, sever burns, renal failure.