Electrolytes and Electrolyte Imbalances

Flashcards covering key information about sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, including their normal ranges, imbalances (hyper- and hypo-), causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments, based on the provided lecture notes. Also includes a knowledge check.

What is the normal range for sodium?

136 to 145 mEq/L

What is hypernatremia?

A sodium level above 145 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hypernatremia?

Excess sodium intake, Cushing's syndrome, or diabetes insipidus.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?

Thirst, agitation, muscle weakness, and GI upset.

How is hypernatremia treated?

Administer 0.45% NaCl IV fluids slowly, use diuretics (like furosemide), restrict sodium intake, and increase water intake.

What is hyponatremia?

A sodium level below 136 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hyponatremia?

Diuretics, kidney failure, diaphoresis, SIADH, hypoglycemia, and heart failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?

Confusion (common in the elderly), fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and headache.

How is hyponatremia treated?

Administer 2 to 3% NaCl hypertonic IV fluids slowly, encourage increased sodium intake, and restrict fluid intake.

What is the normal range for calcium?

9 to 10.5 mg/dL

What is hypercalcemia?

A calcium level above 10.5 mg/dL.

What are some causes of hypercalcemia?

Hyperparathyroidism, corticosteroids, and bone cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Constipation, decreased deep tendon reflexes, kidney stones, lethargy, and weakness.

How is hypercalcemia treated?

Administer 0.9% NaCl IV fluids, give calcitonin, and potentially dialysis for severe cases.

What is hypocalcemia?

A calcium level under 9 mg/dL.

What are some causes of hypocalcemia?

Diarrhea, vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, or accidental nicking of the parathyroid gland during thyroid surgery.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Positive Chvostek sign (facial twitch when tapping cheek), positive Trousseau sign (hand/finger contraction with BP cuff inflation), muscle spasms, numbness and tingling in lips and fingers, and GI upset.

How is hypocalcemia treated?

Provide calcium supplements (oral or IV) and encourage increased intake of calcium-rich foods.

What is the normal range for potassium?

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

What is hyperkalemia?

A potassium level above 5 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hyperkalemia?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), metabolic acidosis, salt substitutes, and kidney failure.

What is a key sign and symptom of both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia?

Dysrhythmias.

What are other signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, and nausea and vomiting.

How is hyperkalemia treated?

Administer furosemide, Kayexalate, or insulin (with dextrose to prevent hypoglycemia); encourage decreased intake of potassium-rich foods.

What is hypokalemia?

A potassium level under 3.5 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hypokalemia?

Diuretics (like furosemide), GI losses (vomiting, NG tube suctioning), diaphoresis, Cushing's syndrome, and metabolic alkalosis.

What are other signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?

Muscle spasms or weakness, and constipation or an ileus.

How is hypokalemia treated?

Provide potassium supplements (oral or IV, potentially mixed with lidocaine), and encourage increased intake of potassium-rich foods (bananas, potatoes, cantaloupe).

What is the normal range for magnesium?

1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L

What is hypermagnesemia?

A magnesium level above 2.1 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hypermagnesemia?

Kidney disease, and excess intake of magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

Hypotension, lethargy, muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes, and respiratory/cardiac arrest.

How is hypermagnesemia treated?

Administer furosemide to lower levels, and calcium to reverse cardiac effects.

What is hypomagnesemia?

A magnesium level below 1.3 mEq/L.

What are some causes of hypomagnesemia?

GI losses, diuretics, malnutrition, and alcohol abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

Dysrhythmias (including Torsades de pointes), tachycardia, hypertension, increased deep tendon reflexes, tremors, and seizures.

How is hypomagnesemia treated?

Provide magnesium supplements (oral or IV) and encourage increased intake of magnesium-rich foods.

A positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's sign are indicative of what electrolyte imbalance?

Hypocalcemia.

What key side effect is caused by both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia?

Dysrhythmia.

True or false: Signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia include hypotension and decreased deep tendon reflexes.

False. Hypomagnesemia signs include hypertension and increased deep tendon reflexes.