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Sodium (Na)

Controls the brain.

Hyponatremia

slow brain (confusion, headache, seizures).

Hypernatremia

irritated brain (thirst, restlessness, dry).

Potassium (K)

Controls the heart.

Hypokalemia

weak heart (flat T waves, cramps).

Hyperkalemia

dangerous heart (peaked T waves, irregular pulse).

Calcium (Ca)

Controls muscles.

Hypocalcemia

twitchy muscles (tetany, Trousseau, Chvostek).

Hypercalcemia

slow muscles (constipation, lethargy, bone pain).

Magnesium (Mg)

Controls reflexes.

Hypomagnesemia

high reflexes (tremors, hyperreflexia).

Hypermagnesemia

low reflexes (bradycardia, hyporeflexia, respiratory depression).

Phosphate (Phos)

Equals energy.

Hypophosphatemia

low energy (weakness, confusion).

Hyperphosphatemia

low calcium signs (cramps, tetany, seizures).

Chloride (Cl)

Follows sodium and controls acid-base balance.

Hypochloremia

metabolic alkalosis (vomiting, NG suction).

Hyperchloremia

metabolic acidosis (dehydration, excess normal saline).

Electrolyte System Summary

Na = brain; K = heart; Ca = muscles; Mg = reflexes; Phos = energy; Cl = acid/base.