Electrolyte Imbalances and Treatments (Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium)

Vocabulary flashcards covering electrolyte disorders (sodium, calcium, magnesium), key signs, and standard treatments as presented in the notes.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium in the blood; treatment typically includes fluid restriction.

Hypernatremia

High sodium in the blood; treatment includes IV fluids and avoiding foods high in sodium.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium in the blood; may show Chvostek or Trousseau signs; treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements, dietary changes, calcium-rich foods, and calcium injections.

Chvostek sign

Facial muscle twitch when tapping the facial nerve; a sign of hypocalcemia.

Trousseau sign

Carpopedal spasm elicited by a BP cuff; a sign of hypocalcemia.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium in the blood; mild symptoms include constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting; severe symptoms include confusion, polyuria, bone pain, muscle weakness, arrhythmias, delirium, and renal failure.

Hypercalcemia treatment

Management typically involves IV fluids plus a diuretic to promote calcium excretion.

Hypocalcemia treatment

Calcium and vitamin D supplements; dietary changes; calcium-rich foods (e.g., cheese, yogurt, fortified milk) and may include calcium injections.

Calcium-rich foods used in treatment

Examples shown: American cheese, Parmesan cheese, plain yogurt, almond milk.

Calcium injections

Intravenous administration of calcium to rapidly correct low calcium levels.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels; may require magnesium supplementation and may involve oral phosphate if phosphate is also low.

Hypomagnesemia treatment

Magnesium supplements; consideration of oral phosphate; dietary sources high in magnesium.

PO phosphate

Oral phosphate supplement used to address phosphate imbalance associated with hypomagnesemia.