Electrolyte Imbalances: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Hyperkalemia, Hypocalcemia, and More

What is the definition of hyperkalemia?

A condition where potassium levels exceed 5.0 mEq/L.

What are some symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Muscle weakness, tachycardia to bradycardia, dysrhythmias, peaked T-waves, anxiety, paresthesia, numbness, tingling, positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs, muscle cramps, tetany, seizures, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes.

What is the emergency treatment for hyperkalemia?

Calcium gluconate, regular insulin with dextrose, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), dialysis if severe.

What is hypocalcemia and its threshold?

A condition where calcium levels are below 8.6 mg/dL.

What are the symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Muscle weakness, anxiety, positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, muscle tremors, seizures.

What treatments are used for hypocalcemia?

IV calcium gluconate, oral calcium and vitamin D supplements, hydration with isotonic saline.

What is hypercalcemia and its threshold?

A condition where calcium levels exceed 10.2 mg/dL.

What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Muscle weakness, constipation, polyuria, anorexia, nausea, dehydration, shortened QT interval on ECG, kidney stones.

What treatments are used for hypercalcemia?

Diuretics (loop, not thiazide), bisphosphonates, calcitonin.

What is hypomagnesemia and its threshold?

A condition where magnesium levels are below 1.3 mg/dL.

What are the symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

Positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, muscle tremors, irritability.

What treatments are used for hypomagnesemia?

Magnesium sulfate IV, oral magnesium supplements.

What is hypermagnesemia and its threshold?

A condition where magnesium levels exceed 2.3 mg/dL.

What are the symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

ECG changes (PVCs, flat T-waves), seizures, flushing, hypotension, drowsiness, diminished deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest (severe).

What is hypochloremia and its threshold?

A condition where chloride levels are below 97 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of hypochloremia?

Hyperexcitability of muscles, tetany, deep shallow respirations, hypotension, dysrhythmias.

What is hyperchloremia and its threshold?

A condition where chloride levels exceed 107 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of hyperchloremia?

Lethargy, weakness, deep rapid respirations, diminished cognitive ability, hypertension.

What is hyponatremia and its threshold?

A condition where sodium levels are below 135 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of hyponatremia?

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps, weakness, seizures, coma (severe).

What is hypernatremia and its threshold?

A condition where sodium levels exceed 145 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of hypernatremia?

Thirst, elevated body temperature, swollen dry tongue, sticky mucous membranes, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, coma.

What treatments are used for hypernatremia?

Careful sodium replacement (oral/IV), water restriction, hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) for severe cases.

What treatments are used for hypokalemia?

Potassium replacement (oral preferred; IV if severe), increase dietary potassium.

What nursing interventions are important for managing electrolyte imbalances?

Monitor electrolyte levels closely, assess neurological status, implement seizure precautions, monitor I&O, provide adequate hydration, educate patients about dietary modifications.