Electrolyte Imbalances in Med Surg Nursing

Hypocalcemia (Ca < 9)

Confusion/behavioral changes, muscle twitching, and spasms in the throat muscles

Hypercalcemia (Ca > 10.5)

Headache, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, incontinence, kidney stones, kidney failure, arrhythmias, and pain in the bones and joints

Hyponatremia (Na < 136)

Confusion, irritable, lowered reflexes, nausea and vomiting, and seizures

Hypernatremia (Na > 145)

Confusion/behavioral changes, heightened reflexes, loss of muscle control, and seizures

Hypokalemia (K < 3.5)

Weakened muscles and cramps, frequent thirst and incontinence, dizziness and orthostatic hypotension. If severe, muscle tissue can break down and heart arrhythmia can occur

Hyperkalemia (K > 5)

Weakness, inability to move muscles, confusion, and arrhythmia

Hypomagnesemia (Mg < 1.8)

Muscle weakness, muscle twitching, and arrhythmias

Hypermagnesemia (Mg > 2.6)

Irregular heartbeat and arrhythmia, weakened reflexes, bradypnea, and cardiac arrest

Hypophosphatemia (P < 3)

Muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue), seizures, and trouble breathing

Hyperphosphatemia (P > 4.5)

Asymptomatic until severe, shares symptoms of hypocalcemia as it can cause hypocalcemia, and excessive itching