More Electrolytes

Sodium Range

135-145

Sodium Goal

Maintain BP and Fluid Balance, Regulated by Aldosterone

Hypernatremia “Big and Bloated”

• Dry mouth, thirst, dry skin

• Increased fluid retention

• Decreases urine output

• Agitated, restless, and confused

Hyponatremia “Weak and Shaky”

• Cerebral Edema

• Headache, Confusion, Shaky

• Abdominal cramping

• Low urine and Low appetite

• Shallow Respirations (LATE sign)

Potassium (K+) Range

3.5-5

Potassium Goal

Maintain heart and muscle functions, maintain BP and fluid balance. Regulated by kidneys

Hyperkalemia “Tight and Contracted”

• Low BP and HR

• Severe Vfib

• Respiratory Failure

• Hyperactive Bowels (Diarrhea)

• Brain Storm (Confusion)

• Muscle Weakness

• Peaked T Wave, PR Prolongation, Shorten QT interval

Hypokalemia ”Low and Slow”

• Shallow RR

• Diminishes breath sounds

• Low BP and HR

• Orthostatic Hypotension and threads pulse

• Hypoactive Bowels, Flaccid Paralysis

• T wave inversion, ST depression, prominent U wave

Magnesium (Mg+) Range

1.3-2.1

Magnesium Goal

Muscle Relaxation, Maintains immune system, Bones and BG

Hypermagnesemia “Too Relaxed”

• Low HR, RR, and BP

• Hypoactive Bowels

• Low Deep Tendon Reflexes

• Drowsy, Lethargic, Coma

Hypomagnesemia “Muscles Go Wild”

• High HR, and RR(shallow)

• Dyspena

• Confusion, Seizures, Insomnia

• Increases Deep Tendon Reflexes

• Numbness and Tingling

Calcium (Ca+) Range

9 - 10.5

Calcium Goal

Affects bones, heart beats and clotting factor. Stabilizes neuron excitability

Hypercalcemia “Slow and Swollen”

• Low HR, RR, BP

• SOB, weak respirations

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Altered LOC

• Bone pain

• Decreases deep tendon reflexes

• Decreased muscle excitability

Hypocalcemia “Wild and Crazy”

• Trousseau sign (arm spam with BP cuff)

• Choustek sign (smile with touching temporal lobe)

• Slow clotting factor

• Dyspnea

Chloride (Cl-) Range

97-107

Chloride causes

Increases with poor kidney function, decreases with vomiting or diarrhea

Chloride works inversely with

Sodium

Phosphate Range

3-4.5

Phosphate Goal

Build bones, teeth and muscle. Stored in bones. Regulated by kidneys and parathyroid. works inversely with calcium.

Hyperphosphatemia “Slow and Swollen”

Same as hypocalcemia

Hypophosphatemia “Brittle and Weak”

• Muscle Weakness = Decreased ability to breathe

• Decreased DTRs, Irritable, Seizures, Confused

• Increased risk of bone fractures

• Low platelets = Increased bleeding

Bicarbonate Range

22-26