Electrolytes Study Chart

Sodium (Na⁺)

Normal range is 135–145 mEq/L and controls fluid balance.

Potassium (K⁺)

Normal range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L and is especially important for heart rhythm.

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

Normal range is 8.5–10.5 mg/dL and is important for bones and muscle contraction.

Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

Normal range is 1.5–2.5 mEq/L and helps muscles relax.

Chloride (Cl⁻)

Normal range is 98–106 mEq/L and helps maintain acid-base balance.

Phosphorus (Phosphate)

Normal range is 2.5–4.5 mg/dL and helps produce energy.

Hypo

Refers to low levels of a substance.

Hyper

Refers to high levels of a substance.

Sodium (Na)

An essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling

Potassium (K)

An essential electrolyte crucial for proper muscle function, nerve signaling, and maintaining fluid balance

Calcium (Ca)

An essential electrolyte important for bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve function

Magnesium (Mg)

An essential electrolyte that plays a key role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production.

Chloride (Cl)

An essential electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, and proper kidney function.

Phosphorus

An essential electrolyte that is crucial for energy production, bone formation, and cell membrane structure.

Foods for Sodium

Table salt, broths, canned soups, cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and pretzels

Foods for Potassium

Bananas, oranges, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and beans

Foods for Calcium

Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), fortified plant milks, canned sardines/salmon with bones, tofu, and dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens)

Foods for Magnesium

Pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, spinach, black beans, avocados, whole grains, and dark chocolate

Foods for Chloride

Table salt, sea salt, seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, olives, and processed foods

Foods for Phosphorus

Dairy products, poultry, red meat, organ meats, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, and whole-grain cereals

Signs of Hyponatremia

Headache, confusion, altered mental status, lethargy, muscle cramps, nausea, seizures, and coma

Signs of Hypernatremia

Intense thirst (polydipsia), dry mucous membranes, flushed skin, restlessness, agitation, edema, hyperreflexia, and seizures.

Signs of Hypokalemia

Decreased muscle strength, fatigue, muscle cramps, palpitations, constipation, and arrhythmias.

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Muscle weakness, fatigue, palpitations, gastrointestinal disturbances, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.

Signs of Hypocalcemia

Numbness and tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, tetany, osteoporosis, and prolonged QT interval.

Signs of Hypercalcemia

Excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Signs of Hypomagnesemia

Muscle weakness, cramps, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Signs of Hypermagnesemia

Weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and respiratory distress.

Signs of Hypochloremia

Low blood chloride levels, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and dehydration.

Signs of Hyperchloremia

High blood chloride levels, lethargy, weakness, respiratory issues, and increased blood pressure.

Signs of Hypophosphatemia

Low blood phosphate levels, muscle weakness, bone pain, and risk of fractures.

Signs of Hyperphosphatemia

High blood phosphate levels, itching, muscle cramps, joint pain, and potential calcification of tissues.