Electrolyte Imbalances from Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Chapter

hyponatremia causes, signs, interventions

• Sodium below 135 mEq/L

• Causes: Excess fluid, sodium loss

• Interventions:

  • Monitor I&O

  • Fluid restriction if prescribed

  • Encourage high-sodium foods if appropriate

hypernatremia causes, signs, interventions

• Sodium above 145 mEq/L

• Causes: Water loss, inadequate fluid intake, excess sodium

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst

  • Restlessness

  • Dry tongue

• Interventions:

  • Monitor I&O

  • Encourage fluids if appropriate

  • Limit high-sodium foods

hypokalemia causes, signs, interventions

• Potassium below 3.5 mEq/L

• Causes: Diarrhea, loop diuretics

• Signs & Symptoms: Muscle weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, paresthesia (numbness and tingling)

• Nursing Interventions: Monitor potassium labs, check levels before administration, monitor heart rhythm.

hyperkalemia causes, signs, interventions

• Potassium above 5.0 mEq/L

• Causes: Renal failure, excess potassium supplementation

• Complications: Dangerous heart rhythm changes, cardiac arrest

• Nursing Interventions: Stop potassium supplements as directed, monitor potassium levels and heart rhythm.

hypocalcemia causes, signs, interventions

• Calcium below 8.6 mg/dL

• Causes: Inadequate calcium intake, poor absorption

• Signs & Symptoms: Numbness and tingling, tingling around mouth/fingers/feet, tetany, muscle cramps, seizures.

hypercalcemia causes, signs, interventions

• Calcium above 10.2 mg/dL

• Causes: Cancer, hyperparathyroidism

• Signs & Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain.

hypomagnesemia causes, signs, interventions

• Magnesium below 1.3 mg/dL

• Causes: Alcohol withdrawal, diarrhea, NG tube suction, tube feedings, burns

• Signs & Symptoms: Seizures, altered mental status, hyperactive DTRs.

hypermagnesemia causes, signs, interventions

• Magnesium above 2.3 mg/dL

• Causes: Renal failure, excess magnesium intake, magnesium-containing antacids

• Signs & Symptoms: Loss of DTRs, respiratory depression, coma, cardiac arrest.

hypophosphatemia causes, signs, interventions

• Phosphate below 2.5 mg/dL

• Causes: Alcohol withdrawal, DKA, hyperventilation, diuretic use

• Signs & Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, confusion.

hyperphosphatemia causes, signs, interventions

• Phosphate above 4.5 mg/dL

• Causes: Impaired kidney function, hypoparathyroidism

• Signs & Symptoms: Tetany, anorexia, muscle weakness, tachycardia.

hypochloremia causes, signs, interventions

• Chloride below 97 mEq/L

• Causes: Vomiting, diarrhea, NG tube drainage, diuretics, burns

• Signs & Symptoms: Muscle hyperexcitability, tetany, hyperactive DTRs, weakness, muscle cramps.

hyperchloremia causes, signs, interventions

• Chloride above 107 mEq/L

• Causes: Head trauma, increased respiration, decreased glomerular filtration

• Signs & Symptoms: Tachypnea, weakness, lethargy, decreased cognition, hypertension.

hemoglobin (Hbg)

12-18 g/dL

Hematocrit (Hct)

40-50%

Platelet (Plt)

100,000-400,000 mm³

White Blood Cells (WBC)

5,000-10,000 mm³

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

1-20 mm/h

Albumin

3.5-5.0 g/100 mL

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

10-20 mg/ 100 mLC

Creatinine

0.7-1.4 mg/ 100 mL