Electrolytes and Galen Lab Values

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering electrolyte lab values, functions, hypo/hyper signs, recommended foods, and memory tricks for Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.

Sodium ($Na^+$) Adult Reference Range

$$135-145\,mEq/L$$

Potassium ($K^+$) Adult Reference Range

$$3.5-5.0\,mEq/L$$

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Adult Reference Range

$$9-10.5\,mg/dL$$

Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Adult Reference Range

$$1.5-2.5\,mg/dL$$

Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$) Adult Reference Range

$$2-4.5\,mg/dL$$

Hypo-Sodium ($Na^+$) Signs/Symptoms

Headache, nausea, confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, and seizures (severe).

Hyper-Sodium ($Na^+$) Signs/Symptoms

Thirst, restlessness, irritability, confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures (severe).

Foods to help Hypo-Sodium

Broth, Pretzels, Sports drinks, and Salted crackers.

Foods to help Hyper-Sodium

Watermelon, Cucumber, Lemon, and Fluids (water).

Sodium ($Na^+$) Memory Trick

"SODIUM loves SALT WATER!" Too LOW? Add SALT! Too HIGH? Add WATER!

Key Functions of Sodium ($Na^+$)

Regulates fluid balance & osmolality, maintains BP, and nerve & muscle function.

Hypo-Potassium ($K^+$) Signs/Symptoms

Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, and irregular heartbeat.

Hyper-Potassium ($K^+$) Signs/Symptoms

Muscle weakness, tingling, nausea, and slow or irregular heartbeat.

Foods to help Hypo-Potassium

Bananas, Avocado, Baked Potato, and Spinach.

Foods to help Hyper-Potassium

Apples, Blueberries, Green Beans, and Rice.

Potassium ($K^+$) Memory Trick

"K POTASSIUM is a KING!" (King of Muscles & Nerves).

Key Functions of Potassium ($K^+$)

Essential for nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and maintains heart rhythm.

Hypo-Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Signs/Symptoms

Numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, brittle nails, and osteoporosis.

Hyper-Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Signs/Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, frequent urination, kidney stones, and confusion.

Foods to help Hypo-Calcium

Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Broccoli, and Almonds.

Foods to help Hyper-Calcium

Leafy Greens, Berries, Sweet Potato, and Hydration.

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Memory Trick

"CALCIUM builds CASTLES (BONES)!"

Key Functions of Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$)

Builds/maintains bones & teeth, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.

Hypo-Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Signs/Symptoms

Muscle cramps, tremors, irritability, seizures, and abnormal heartbeat.

Hyper-Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Signs/Symptoms

Nausea, low BP, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and slow heartbeat.

Foods to help Hypo-Magnesium

Almonds, Spinach, Black Beans, and Dark Chocolate.

Foods to help Hyper-Magnesium

Rice, Apples, and Hydration.

Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Memory Trick

"MAGNESIUM helps you CHILL & RELAX!"

Key Functions of Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$)

Muscle relaxation, nerve function, energy production, supports heart rhythm, and bone health.

The Relaxer

Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$)

Hypo-Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$) Signs/Symptoms

Weakness, bone pain, confusion, irritability, poor appetite, and breathing problems.

Hyper-Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$) Signs/Symptoms

Itching, bone/joint pain, muscle weakness, kidney problems, and calcification.

Foods to help Hypo-Phosphorus

Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Dairy, Nuts, and Whole Grains.

Foods to help Hyper-Phosphorus

Bell Peppers, Cucumber, Leafy Greens, and Hydration.

Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$) Memory Trick

"PHOSPHORUS POWERS your body!" (Power for every cell).

Key Functions of Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$)

Builds bones & teeth, energy ($ATP$), cell membrane function, and acid-base balance.

HYPO (Root Meaning)

LOW levels.

HYPER (Root Meaning)

HIGH levels.

Electrolyte Street: Sodium ($Na^+$)

Located near the SEA (water) = balance.

Electrolyte Street: Potassium ($K^+$)

KING of Muscles & Nerves.

Electrolyte Street: Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$)

Builds CASTLES (Bones).

Electrolyte Street: Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$)

Makes you RELAX & CHILL.

Electrolyte Street: Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$)

Powers every cell like a BATTERY.

Bone Pain and Weakness (Hypo symptom)

Associated with Hypo-Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$).

Numbness and Tingling (Hypo symptom)

Associated with Hypo-Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$).

Thirst and Restlessness (Hyper symptom)

Associated with Hyper-Sodium ($Na^+$).

Constipation and Fatigue (Hypo symptom)

Associated with Hypo-Potassium ($K^+$).

Drowsiness and Low BP (Hyper symptom)

Associated with Hyper-Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$).

Itching and Kidney Problems (Hyper symptom)

Associated with Hyper-Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$).

Calcification and Joint Pain (Hyper symptom)

Associated with Hyper-Phosphorus ($PO_4^{3-}$).

A nurse is caring for a patient with hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Which of the following symptoms might the patient exhibit?

Headache, nausea, confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, and seizures (severe).

When a patient has hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which symptoms may be observed?

Muscle weakness, tingling, nausea, and slow or irregular heartbeat.

A nurse is educating a patient about dietary changes to increase calcium intake. Which food should the nurse recommend?

Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Broccoli, and Almonds.

In managing a patient with hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels), which assessment findings should the nurse look for?

Muscle cramps, tremors, irritability, seizures, and abnormal heartbeat.

A patient presents with itching and kidney problems. These symptoms are associated with which condition?

Hyperphosphorus (high phosphorus levels).

Which electrolytic imbalance is characterized by drowsiness and low blood pressure?

Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels).

What is the key function of potassium (K+) in the body?

Essential for nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and maintaining heart rhythm.

When caring for a patient with hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?

Encourage hydration and monitor for signs of confusion, nausea, and constipation.

How does sodium (Na+) help regulate bodily functions?

Regulates fluid balance & osmolality, maintains blood pressure, and supports nerve & muscle function.

A nurse is informed that a patient has hyperphosphorus. Which dietary recommendations should the nurse provide?

Suggest foods like Bell Peppers, Cucumber, Leafy Greens, and encourage hydration.

A patient presents with muscle weakness, tingling, and nausea. The nurse suspects which electrolyte imbalance?

Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

In a patient with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which sign should the nurse monitor for?

Numbness and tingling around the mouth or in the extremities.

Which dietary recommendation should the nurse provide for a patient experiencing hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels)?

Encourage increased fluid intake and limit the consumption of magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate and nuts.

What assessment finding is most indicative of hypernatremia (high sodium levels)?

Restlessness, irritability, and confusion.

During a routine check, the nurse notices that a patient has developed muscle cramps and fatigue. Which electrolyte imbalance may be suspected?

Hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

A patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels).

What is the priority nursing action for a patient with severe hypercalcemia?

Monitor the patient’s cardiac rhythm and hydration status closely.

Which of the following foods should a nurse encourage a patient with hypophosphatemia to consume?

Chicken, Fish, Eggs, and Dairy products.

A nurse is explaining the functions of magnesium (Mg²+) to a patient. Which statement is most accurate?

Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve function.

For a patient with hyponatremia, which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Administer sodium replacement therapy as ordered while monitoring vital signs and neurological status.