Electrolytes

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, coma, and seizures.

Signs of Hyponatremia

Cellular edema, confusion, coma, seizures, and low specific gravity urine.

Causes of Hyponatremia

Sweating, diuretics, kidney disease, high blood sugar, and excessive hypotonic fluid intake.

Treatment for Hyponatremia

Increase sodium intake, fluid restriction, and raise sodium levels slowly.

Hypernatremia

A condition characterized by high sodium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms such as intense thirst, tachycardia, and dry skin.

Signs of Hypernatremia

Thirst, hyperthermia, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and high specific gravity urine.

Causes of Hypernatremia

Kidney failure, excessive sodium intake, dehydration, and Diabetes insipidus.

Treatment for Hypernatremia

Encourage water intake, lower sodium consumption, and administer dextrose-containing fluids.

Hyperkalemia

A condition of elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can cause irregular heart rhythms and is a risk for cardiac arrest.

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Irregular heart rate, hypotension, peaked T waves, and weakness.

Causes of Hyperkalemia

Kidney failure, use of potassium-sparing diuretics, and tissue damage.

Treatment for Hyperkalemia

IV fluids with dextrose, insulin, avoid high potassium foods, and use loop diuretics.

Hypokalemia

A condition of low potassium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms such as weak pulses and muscle weakness.

Signs of Hypokalemia

Decreased blood pressure, lethargy, depressed T waves, and constipation.

Causes of Hypokalemia

Overuse of diuretics, prolonged vomiting, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Treatment for Hypokalemia

Replace potassium orally or via IV, increase potassium-rich foods.

Hypocalcemia

A condition of low calcium levels in the blood, associated with muscle spasms and seizures.

Signs of Hypocalcemia

Paresthesia, muscle twitching, seizures, and prolonged QT interval.

Causes of Hypocalcemia

Poor calcium intake, kidney disease, low vitamin D intake.

Treatment for Hypocalcemia

Calcium supplements, seizure precautions, and calcium gluconate.

Hypercalcemia

A condition of elevated calcium levels causing decreased tissue sensitivity and increased fluid retention.

Signs of Hypercalcemia

Increased heart rate, confusion, constipation, and kidney stones.

Causes of Hypercalcemia

Excessive calcium intake, kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism.

Treatment for Hypercalcemia

Regular isotonic fluids and loop diuretics.

Hypermagnesemia

A condition characterized by high magnesium levels leading to weak muscles and potential cardiac arrest.

Signs of Hypermagnesemia

Bradycardia, vasodilation, prolonged QT interval, and decreased DTRs.

Causes of Hypermagnesemia

Excess magnesium administration and kidney disease.

Treatment for Hypermagnesemia

Calcium gluconate and loop diuretics.

Hypomagnesemia

A condition of low magnesium levels resulting in increased nerve excitability.

Signs of Hypomagnesemia

Dysrhythmias, tachycardia, muscle tetany, and seizures.

Causes of Hypomagnesemia

Ethanol ingestion, malnutrition, diarrhea, and prolonged GI suction.

Treatment for Hypomagnesemia

Magnesium supplements and correction of electrolyte imbalances.