Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering electrolyte imbalances, fluid therapy, and acid-base disturbances based on the lecture notes.

What are the causes, signs/symptoms, and treatment for Hypervolemia?

Caused by fluid overload and being unable to rid fluid. S/S include hypertension, bounding pulse, $\downarrow\text{HR}$, and $\uparrow\text{RR}$. Tx is Lasix.

What are the causes, signs/symptoms, and treatment for Hypovolemia?

Caused by diabetes insipidus, $\downarrow\text{ADH}$ function, and excessive fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage). S/S include hypotension, weak pulse, $\uparrow\text{HR}$, and dehydration. Tx is giving hypertonic IV and $\uparrow\text{H}_2\text{O}$ intake.

What is the normal range and primary function of Sodium ($\text{Na}$)?

Normal range is $135-145$. Absorbed through the GI tract, excreted through kidneys (ADH), and controls nerve/muscle function.

What causes Hypernatremia ($\text{Na} > 145$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by ADH deficiency ($0\text{ function in pituitary gland}$) and Na retention. S/S include excessive thirst, confusion, and ortho-hypotension. Tx is hypotonic IV fluid.

What causes Hyponatremia ($\text{Na} \le 135$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by excess $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ in body, Na loss with urine, and rapid fluid loss. S/S include $\downarrow\text{concentration}$, $\downarrow\text{nerve function}$, and weak muscles. Tx is hypertonic IV and Lasix.

What is the normal range and primary role of Potassium ($\text{K}$)?

Normal range is $3.5-5$. Stored in blood, regulated by kidneys, controls muscle/nerve impulses, and causes dysrhythmias (EKG changes) when imbalanced.

What causes Hyperkalemia ($\text{K} > 5$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by $\uparrow\text{K}$ diets and renal failure. S/S include peaked T waves, muscle cramps, stomach pain, cardiac arrest, and palpitations. Tx is profuse diarrhea (laxatives, enemas).

What causes Hypokalemia ($\text{K} < 3.5$), what are its signs/symptoms, and what critical safety warning applies to treatment?

Caused by GI upsets (excessive diarrhea). S/S include Flat P/T wave, wide QRS, and U wave. Tx is $\uparrow\text{K}$ in diets; NEVER IV push K as it causes death.

What is the normal range, function, and regulation of Calcium ($\text{Ca}$)?

Normal range is $9-11$. Functions in bones, teeth, and blood clots (needs Vit D to absorb). Absorbed in GI, regulated by PTH (calcitonin), where $\downarrow\text{PTH} = \downarrow\text{Ca regulation}$.

What causes Hypercalcemia ($\text{Ca} > 10$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by hyper-parathyroidism, Tums, cancer, and diuretic use. S/S include kidney stones, common fractures, weakness, and sedative effects. Tx is $\downarrow\text{Ca}$ in diet, mobilize patient, and Lasix.

What causes Hypocalcemia ($\text{Ca} \le 9$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by PTH removal, $\downarrow\text{Vit D}$, and many blood transfusions. S/S include Trousseau's, Chvostek's, laryngospasm, hyper-reflexia, and cramping. Tx is treating the cause (PTH / Vit. D).

What is the normal range and function of Phosphate ($\text{PO}$)?

Normal range is $3-4.5$. Controls muscle/nerve function, is controlled by kidney function, and determines GFR.

What causes Hyperphosphatemia ($\text{PO} > 4.5$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by kidney injury (AKI, AKF, ESRD). S/S include Trousseau's, Chvostek's, calcium deposits, and NM excitability. Tx is $\downarrow\text{phosphate}$ in diet.

What causes Hypophosphatemia ($\text{PO} < 3$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by malnutrition, TPN/PPN, diabetes, and GI disease. S/S include respiratory distress, $\downarrow\text{cell/muscle function}$, and $\downarrow\text{RR}$. Tx is $\uparrow\text{phosphate}$ diet and supplements.

What is the normal range, function, regulation, and excretion of Magnesium ($\text{Mg}$)?

Normal range is $1.3-2.1$. Controls muscle contractility, regulated by GI tract, and excreted through kidneys.

What causes Hypermagnesemia ($\text{Mg} > 2.1$), what are its signs/symptoms, and how is it treated?

Caused by Maalox, Mylanta, and $\downarrow\text{kidney function}$. S/S include $\downarrow\text{GFR}\ (< 60)$, $\uparrow\text{creatinine}\ (> 2.2)$, $\downarrow\text{muscle function}$, and hypotension. Tx is restricting Mg, Lasix, and Lactated Ringers.

What causes Hypomagnesemia ($\text{Mg} \le 1.3$), what are its signs/symptoms, and what instruction applies to its treatment?

Caused by malnutrition, fasting/starvation (alcoholics, anorexia, cancer). S/S include Trousseau's, Chvostek's, muscle weakness, V-Tach, and muscular excitability. Tx is $\uparrow\text{Mg}$ diet, and CANNOT IV push Mg.

What are the characteristics and effects of Hypertonic IV fluids?

Expands ECF, prevents edema, lowers BP quickly, and requires labs/monitoring.

What are the characteristics and effects of Hypotonic IV fluids?

Shifts $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ into cell, causes neurological changes, and increases cerebral edema.

What are the characteristics and effects of Isotonic IV fluids?

Used for ECF volume replacement and replacing fluid loss, increases BP, and can cause fluid overload.

What are the characteristics and indications for Colloids?

Includes blood products, increases osmotic pressure, and is indicated for trauma, sickle cell, and anemia.

What defines Respiratory Alkalosis, what causes it, and what are its signs/symptoms?

Defined by $\uparrow\text{pH}$ and $\downarrow\text{PaCO}_2$. Caused by hyperventilation and a stimulated respiratory center. S/S include $\uparrow\text{RR}$, tachycardia, tetany, and CNS changes.

What defines Respiratory Acidosis, what causes it, and what are its signs/symptoms?

Defined by $\downarrow\text{pH}$ and $\uparrow\text{PaCO}_2$. Caused by hypoventilation and acid buildup. S/S include CNS changes, $\downarrow\text{BP}$, warm skin, and seizures.

What causes Metabolic Alkalosis and what are its signs/symptoms?

Caused by vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric suction. S/S include V-Fib and anorexia.

What causes Metabolic Acidosis and what are its signs/symptoms?

Caused by starvation, shock, and renal failure. S/S include Kussmaul breathing, clammy skin, and CNS changes.