Ch 8/9: Altered Fluid & Electrolyte / Acid-Base Balance (Pt 1)

homeostasis

dependent upon precise fluid and electrolyte balance

electrolytes

chemicals that produce ions when dissolve in water

electrolyte levels

measured in plasma; mg/dL or mEq/L

electrolyte balance function

generation of action potential, maintenance of fluid balance and acid-base balance

Sodium (Na+)

abundant extracellular cation, determinant of blood osmolality, nerve impulse transmission

hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L)

vomiting, diarrhea, sweating

hyponatremia (manifestations)

decrease urine, lethargy

hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L)

not enough fluids, increase salt intake, medications

hypernatremia (manifestations)

agitation, restless

hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L)

diuretic use, vomiting, or diarrhea

hyperkalemia (>5.0 mEq/L)

kidney failure

hypokalemia (manifestations)

dizziness, hypotension, arrhythmias

hyperkalemia (manifestations)

chest pain, dysrhythmias

hypocalcemia (<8.5 mg/dL)

severe burns, sepsis, kidney failure, medications (heparin)

hypercalcemia (>10.5 mg/dL)

excessive bone breakdown, overactive parathyroid gland, calcium and vitamin D supplements

hypocalcemia (manifestations)

spasms, cramps

hypercalcemia (manifestations)

confusion, lethargic