Electrolytes and Hormonal Imbalances Review

Flashcards covering electrolyte ranges, signs of hyper and hypo imbalances (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium), Lithium levels, and the differences between Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH based on lecture notes.

Sodium Polystyrene

The generic name for Kayexalate, used in the treatment of electrolyte imbalances.

Potassium Reference Range

$3.5$ to $5.5$

Hyperkalemia Signs

Heart rate and urine output go down (Bradycardic, Decreased urinary rate), while everything else goes up, including Diarrhea, Tachycardia, and Tall T waves.

Hypokalemia Signs

Fatigue and Hypotension.

Potassium Treatment

Regular insulin or Kayexalate (sodium Polystyrene); never give as an IV bolus.

Calcium Reference Range

$8.6$ to $10$

Hypocalcemia (Too little calcium)

Characterized by 'the 3 Ts': Twitches, Trousseau's Sign, and Tetany.

Hypercalcemia Signs

Bones (bone pain), Stones (Renal Stones/Kandey stones), and Groans (Abdominal Pain).

Calcium Supplement Administration

Take calcium supplements $30$ mins before your meal or take with foods in them.

Hypercalcemia Treatment

Calcitonin or dialysis.

Magnesium Reference Range

$1.6$ to $2.6$

Magnesium Prefix Rule

Signs are the opposite of the prefix; Hyper signs go down (decreased respirations, drowsy, decreased RR, bradycardia) and Hypo signs go up (Seizures, Tachycardia, High BP).

Hypermagnesemia Treatment

Stop the products causing the magnesium level to increase, such as Antacids.

Lithium Reference Range

$0.6$ to $1.2$

Lithium Toxicity

Occurs when levels exceed $1.2$; signs include slurred speech, unsteady gait, emotional changes, confusion, and being lethargic.

Sodium Reference Range

$135$ to $145$

Hypernatremia vs. Hyponatremia

Hypernatremia involves Dehydration, while Hyponatremia involves Sodium Overload or Fluid Overload.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

A condition caused by too little Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), resulting in the output of a lot of clear, colorless, odorless urine.

Diabetes Insipidus Signs

Low Blood Pressure (BP), high Heart Rate (HR) to compensate, and dry mucous membranes.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition caused by too much Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), leading the body to hold onto water.

SIADH Signs

Fluid Overload, Oliguria (very little urine output), decreased sodium levels, and confusion.

SIADH Treatment

Diuretics (Osmotic Class) and dietary changes to reduce sodium.