Electrolyte Imbalances: Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium (Week 7)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Week 7 notes on electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia/hyperkalemia, hyponatremia/hypernatremia, hypocalcemia) and related treatments.

HYPOKALEMIA

Low potassium in the blood. Treatments include foods high in potassium (prune juice, baked potato, banana, nonfat yogurt) and potassium replacement (oral potassium supplements or IV potassium).

BANANA

A potassium-rich fruit recommended to help treat hypokalemia.

BAKED POTATO

Potassium-rich food recommended to help treat hypokalemia.

PRUNE JUICE

Potassium-rich beverage recommended to help treat hypokalemia.

NONFAT YOGURT

Potassium-rich dairy product recommended to help treat hypokalemia.

ORAL POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENT

Potassium taken by mouth to correct hypokalemia.

IV POTASSIUM

Potassium delivered intravenously to correct hypokalemia or in severe cases.

HYPERKALEMIA

High potassium in the blood. Severe cases may cause cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness or paralysis.

HYPONATREMIA

Low sodium in the blood. Mild symptoms include lethargy and confusion; severe symptoms include headache, restlessness, irritability, and seizures. Treatment: fluid restriction.

HYPERNATREMIA

High sodium in the blood. Treatment commonly involves IV fluids; mild and severe presentations are noted, and avoiding foods high in sodium is often advised.

HYPONATREMIA TREATMENT

Fluid restriction.

HYPERNATREMIA TREATMENT

IV fluids.

HYPOCALCEMIA

Low calcium levels in the blood; may show signs such as Trousseau’s sign.

TROUSSEAUS SIGN

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia (carpopedal spasm) demonstrated when the blood pressure cuff is inflated.

SODIUM REFERENCE RANGE

136-145 mEq/L.

CALCIUM REFERENCE RANGE

9-10.5 mg/dL.

MAGNESIUM REFERENCE RANGE

1.3-2.1 mEq/L.

POTASSIUM REFERENCE RANGE

3.5-5.0 mEq/L