NURS 250: electrolyte imbalances part 1

what is sodium vital for?

muscle contraction, cardiac contraction, nerve impulse transmission

what is potassium vital for?

regulation of protein synthesis and glucose use. maintenance of action potentials

what is calcium vital for?

bone strength and density, muscle contraction, muscle contraction, blood clotting. stored in bones and excreted in urine

what is phosphorus vital for?

activating b complex vitamins, forming atp, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism

where is phosphorus mostly found in the body?

bones

what is magnesium vital for?

muscle contraction, carbohydrate metabolism, dna synthesis, protein synthesis, blood coagulation

what is normal magnesium?

1.3 to 2.1

what is the most common electrolyte disorder?

hyponatremia

what are the most common causes of hyponatremia?

hypotonic fluids. diuretics, vomiting, sweating, bleeding. renal failure. failure of na/k pump. diabetic ketoacidosis. hypoxia. liver failure. fresh water drowning

what are the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?

confusion. muscle weakness. postural hypotension. anorexia. abd cramps. weight loss

what are the most common causes of hypernatremia?

renal failure. hypertonic fluids or tube feedings. excessive salt intake. decreased fluids

what are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?

thirst. dry mouth. low output. muscle twitching. hypertension. confusion. edema

what are the severe symptoms of hypernatremia?

tachycardia, manic excitement, death

what are the most common causes of hypokalemia?

excessive vomiting, suctioning, diarrhea. diuretics, laxatives, insulin. acute alcoholism. burns, crush, starvation, trauma

what are the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?

muscle cramps. nausea vomiting. hypotension. elevated pulse. alkalosis

what do you never push iv?

potassium

what are the most common causes of hyperkalemia?

salt substitutes or potassium supplements. burns. crushing injuries. surgery. sepsis. fever

what are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?

muscle weakness or paralysis. n/v/d. dysrhythmias. bradycardia. cardiac arrest. loc changes

how do you treat hyperkalemia?

kayexalate enema or oral. calcium gluconate. glucose and insulin mixture

what foods are high in potassium?

cantaloupe, bananas, apricots, broccoli, salt substitutes