Electrolytes

What organs are primarily responsible for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance?

Kidneys, heart, lungs, pituitary glands, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands.

What hormone causes the body to retain water by acting on the kidneys?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

What does aldosterone do in fluid regulation?

Increases sodium retention and potassium excretion.

How does aging affect fluid and electrolyte balance?

Aging leads to decreased renal, cardiac, and respiratory function; reduced muscle mass; increased body fat; decreased total body water; and a blunted thirst mechanism.

Name 3 causes of fluid volume deficit (FVD).

Vomiting, diarrhea, and diuretic use.

What are key signs of fluid volume deficit?

Thirst, dry mucous membranes, low BP, tachycardia, poor skin turgor, and decreased urine output.

What are some nursing interventions for fluid volume deficit?

Monitor vitals, encourage fluids, give IV fluids, monitor I&O, and assess for fall risk.

What are common causes of fluid volume excess (FVE)?

Heart failure, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, and excessive IV fluids.

What are symptoms of fluid volume excess?

Edema, weight gain, hypertension, crackles in lungs, and jugular vein distention (JVD).

What are the nursing actions for managing fluid volume excess?

Daily weights, restrict fluids/sodium, give diuretics, elevate extremities, and monitor labs.

What are the symptoms of hyponatremia?

Confusion, nausea, muscle weakness, headache, and seizures.

What is the main nursing action for a patient with hyponatremia?

Monitor sodium and neurological status, restrict fluids, and administer sodium if ordered.

What causes hypernatremia and what are its symptoms?

Water loss or sodium gain; symptoms include thirst, dry mucosa, restlessness, confusion, and seizures.

Name two causes of hypokalemia.

Diuretics and vomiting

What are the symptoms of hypokalemia?

Muscle weakness, leg cramps, arrhythmias, and fatigue.

What is a priority nursing intervention for a patient with hypokalemia?

Monitor cardiac rhythm and administer potassium.

What are signs of hyperkalemia?

Muscle weakness, bradycardia, arrhythmias, intestinal cramps, and paresthesias.

What interventions are used for hyperkalemia?

Restrict potassium, give medications to lower levels, monitor ECG, and prepare for emergency treatment.

What lab value defines hypocalcemia?

Serum calcium less than 8.5 mg/dL.

What are key signs of hypocalcemia?

Numbness, muscle cramps, Chvostek's and Trousseau’s signs, seizures, and low BP.

What foods should be encouraged for hypocalcemia?

Calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified juices.

What are symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Lethargy, nausea, polyuria, bone pain, and kidney stones.

What is the primary treatment goal for hypercalcemia?

Promote calcium excretion and treat the underlying cause.

What are causes of hypomagnesemia?

Alcoholism, diarrhea, diuretics, malnutrition, and uncontrolled diabetes.

What are symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

Tremors, seizures, hyperreflexia, confusion, and positive Chvostek/Trousseau signs.

What is the emergency treatment for severe hypomagnesemia?

IV magnesium sulfate.

What causes hypermagnesemia?

Renal failure, excessive magnesium intake, and adrenal insufficiency.

What are signs of hypermagnesemia?

Hyporeflexia, muscle weakness, hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression.

What is given to reverse effects of severe hypermagnesemia?

IV calcium gluconate.