Electrolytes

Sodium range

135-145

Which electrolyte is monitored for “brain safety”?

sodium

Low sodium (too much water) is called

Hyponatremia

High sodium (not enough water) is called

Hypernatremia

What is high osmolality?

interstitial fluid becomes more concentrated (cells shrink)

What is low osmolality?

interstitial fluid becomes less concentrated (cells swell)

Which electrolyte is monitored for heart safety?

Potassium

Potassium range

3.5 - 5

What are some key functions of potassium?

• maintains resting membrane potential

• cardiac conduction

• muscle contraction

What test shows indications of issues regarding potassium?

EKG

Hyperkalemia EKG indicators:

• peaked T waves

• wide QRS complexes

Hypokalemia EKG indicators:

• flat T waves

• U waves

Calcium range

8.5 - 10.5

Magnesium range

1.5 - 2.5

Hypermagnesemia makes you…

twitchy and irritable

Hypomagnesmmia makes you…

too relaxed

Phosphate range

2.5 - 4.5

What kind of relationship does phosphate have with another electrolyte?

inverse relationship to calcium

Chloride range

95 - 105

Which 2 electrolytes should you most importantly monitor neurologic status with?

sodium and calcium

What does the hormone aldosterone do?

holds on to sodium; water follows

What do the hormones ANP/BNP do?

get rid of sodium and water; decrease fluid volume