Electrolyte Balance Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing electrolyte balance concepts, normal values, and imbalances.

Sodium (Na+)

Normal range: 135-145 mEq/L. Functions: Regulates fluid balance, maintains blood pressure, and supports nerve and muscle function.

Potassium (K+)

Normal range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Functions: Regulates heart rhythm, supports muscle function, and maintains acid-base balance.

Calcium (Ca2+)

Normal range: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL. Functions: Supports bone and teeth health, facilitates blood clotting, and regulates muscle contraction.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Normal range: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L. Functions: Supports enzyme activity, regulates muscle and nerve function, and maintains bone health.

Phosphorus (PO4-)

Normal range: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL. Functions: Supports bone and teeth formation, regulates energy production, and facilitates muscle and nerve function.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A membrane protein that uses ATP to exchange Na+ for K+ across the cell membrane; maintains cell potential and regulates cellular volume; essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.

Hypernatremia

Sodium levels greater than 145 mEq/L. Causes include excessive sodium intake, inadequate water intake, and excessive water loss.

Hyponatremia

Sodium levels less than 135 mEq/L. Causes include excessive water intake, SIADH, and diuretics.

Hyperkalemia

Potassium levels greater than 5.0 mEq/L. Causes include renal failure, excessive potassium intake, and medications like potassium-sparing diuretics.

Hypokalemia

Potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L. Causes include diuretics, vomiting/diarrhea, and hyperaldosteronism.

Hypermagnesemia

Elevated magnesium levels greater than 2.5 mEq/L. Causes include renal failure and excessive magnesium intake.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels less than 1.5 mEq/L. Causes include chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, and prolonged diarrhea.

Hypercalcemia

Elevated calcium levels greater than 10.5 mg/dL. Causes include hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, and excessive vitamin D intake.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels less than 8.5 mg/dL. Causes include hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and renal disease.

Hyperphosphatemia

Elevated phosphorus levels greater than 4.5 mg/dL. Causes include renal failure, hypoparathyroidism, and excessive phosphate intake.

Hypophosphatemia

Low phosphorus levels less than 2.5 mg/dL. Causes include hyperparathyroidism, malabsorption, and chronic alcoholism.