Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering fluid volume deficits and excesses, alongside major electrolyte ranges (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium) and their clinical manifestations.

Hypovolemia

A condition defined as not enough volume, characterized by weight loss, altered LOC, tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased urine output ($UOP$).

Hypervolemia

A condition defined as too much volume, characterized by edema, weight gain, SOB, JVD, and orthopnea.

Serum Sodium ($Na^+$) Normal Range

The normal concentration of sodium in the blood is $135 - 145$.

Hypernatremia

A sodium level $> 145$, often associated with thirst, dry mucus membranes, drowsiness, and hypertension.

Hyponatremia

A sodium level $< 135$, often associated with confusion, tachycardia, and a requirement for seizure precautions.

Serum Potassium ($K^+$) Normal Range

The normal concentration of potassium in the blood is $3.5 - 5.0$.

Hyperkalemia

A potassium level $> 5.0$ that causes cells to start excited and then get exhausted, resulting in peaked T waves on an ECG and bradycardia.

Hypokalemia

A potassium level $< 3.5$ where cells are less excitable, resulting in dampened T waves on an ECG and tachycardia.

Serum Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Normal Range

The normal concentration of magnesium in the blood is $1.8 - 3$.

Hypermagnesemia

A magnesium level $> 3$ which suppresses nerves and muscles, causing lethargy, face flushing, hypotension, and muscle paralysis.

Hypomagnesemia

A magnesium level $< 1.8$ which causes nerves and muscles to become excited, leading to muscle cramps, tremors, vertigo, and V-fib.

Chvostek's sign

Facial twitching seen in hypomagnesemia, indicating neuromuscular irritability.

Trousseau's sign

A carpal pedal pulse (spasm) associated with hypomagnesemia.

Serum Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Normal Range

The normal concentration of calcium in the blood is $8.5 - 10.5$.

Hypercalcemia

A calcium level $> 10.5$ typically caused by hyperparathyroidism or cancer, resulting in kidney stones, polyuria, and hypertension.

Hypocalcemia

A calcium level $< 8.5$ characterized by numbness, tingling, and dysphagia.

CATS

An acronym for hypocalcemia symptoms: convulsions, arrhythmia, tetany, and spasms/stridor.

Calcitonin

A hormone from the thyroid that helps "tone it down" by decreasing calcium levels and assisting in deposition into bone.

Parathyroid hormone

A hormone that increases calcium levels via bone reabsorption.