Fluids & Electrolytes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fluids and electrolytes, including definitions and manifestations of various conditions.

Sodium

Most abundant extracellular cation; normal range 135-145 mEq/L; regulates blood osmolality and water balance.

Hyponatremia

Sodium <135 mEq/L; caused by vomiting, diarrhea, excessive water intake; can lead to muscle twitching, weakness, and altered neural functions.

Hypernatremia

Sodium >145 mEq/L; often caused by excessive dietary intake and loss of body water; symptoms include agitation, restlessness, and thirst.

Chloride

Major extracellular anion; normal range 98-108 mEq/L; moves with sodium and is part of acid-base regulation.

Hypochloremia

Chloride <98 mEq/L; causes include vomiting and diuretics; manifestations include muscle twitching and shallow breathing.

Hyperchloremia

Chloride >108 mEq/L; causes include severe dehydration and kidney failure; manifestations include rapid breathing and weakness.

Potassium

Primary intracellular cation; normal range 3.5-5 mEq/L; plays a key role in acid-base regulation and cardiac function.

Hypokalemia

Potassium <3.5 mEq/L; causes include vomiting and diuretics; symptoms include dizziness, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia

Potassium >5 mEq/L; causes include renal failure and excessive treatment; symptoms include abdominal cramping and cardiac arrest.

Calcium

Found primarily in bones and teeth; normal range 8.5-10.5 mg/dL; essential for blood clotting and muscular contraction.

Hypocalcemia

Calcium <8.5 mg/dL; causes include vitamin D deficiency and kidney failure; symptoms include muscle twitching and seizures.

Hypercalcemia

Calcium >10.5 mg/dL; causes include excessive bone breakdown and supplements; symptoms include weakness and confusion.

Magnesium

Intracellular cation; normal range 1.5-2.5 mg/dL; vital for muscle function and energy metabolism.

Hypomagnesemia

Magnesium <1.5 mg/dL; commonly occurs with hypokalemia; symptoms include muscle cramping and seizures.

Hypermagnesemia

Magnesium >2.5 mg/dL; causes include excessive intake; symptoms include hypotension and diminished reflexes.

Phosphate

Normal range 2.5-4.5 mg/dL; important for bone mineralization and cellular metabolism.

Hypophosphatemia

Phosphate <2.5 mg/dL; causes include malnutrition and alcoholism; symptoms may include muscle weakness and bone deformities.

Hyperphosphatemia

Phosphate >4.5 mg/dL; often occurs with hypocalcemia; usually asymptomatic unless with other electrolyte imbalances.