Causes and Manifestations of Electrolyte Imbalances: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium

Hypercalcemia - causes

Hyperparathyroidism; malignancy; excess vitamin D/calcium; prolonged immobility; thiazide diuretics

Hypercalcemia - manifestations

STONES: kidney stones, bone pain, abdominal pain/constipation, confusion/depression, slow reflexes, arrhythmias

Hypocalcemia - causes

Hypoparathyroidism; vitamin D deficiency; chronic kidney disease; pancreatitis; massive blood transfusion

Hypocalcemia - manifestations

CATS: cramps, arrhythmias, tingling (lips/fingers), spasms/tetany, seizures

Hypermagnesemia - causes

Renal failure; excessive magnesium intake (antacids/laxatives); adrenal insufficiency

Hypermagnesemia - manifestations

MAGNESIUM: muscle weakness, areflexia, hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, confusion, coma

Hypomagnesemia - causes

Alcoholism; malnutrition; diuretics; GI losses (vomiting/diarrhea); long-term PPI use

Hypomagnesemia - manifestations

SHAKES: seizures, hyperreflexia, arrhythmias, muscle cramps, excitability, tremors

Hypernatremia - causes

Dehydration; diabetes insipidus; inadequate water intake; excess sodium (rare)

Hypernatremia - manifestations

DRY BRAIN: thirst, dry mucous membranes, restlessness, confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma

Hyponatremia - causes

SIADH; excess water intake; heart failure; liver disease; diuretics; vomiting/diarrhea

Hyponatremia - manifestations

WATER: weakness, altered mental status, nausea/vomiting, cerebral edema, seizures, coma

Pro exam tip - renal failure

Think magnesium & calcium problems

Pro exam tip - neuro symptoms

First think sodium

Pro exam tip - twitchy

Low Ca/Mg

Pro exam tip - sluggish

High Ca/Mg