electrolyte ranges set

Sodium (Na⁺) normal range

135-145 mEq

Potassium (K⁺) normal range

3.5-5.3 mEq

Calcium (Ca²⁺) normal range

8.4-10.2 mg/dL

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) normal range

1.6-2.2 mg/dL

Chloride (Cl⁻) normal range

97-107 mEq/L

Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) normal range

2.5-4.5 mg/dL

Sodium mnemonic

“Na⁺ chips cost $1.35-$1.45.” 🛒

Potassium mnemonic

“Bananas come 3-5 in a bunch.” 🍌

Calcium mnemonic

“You need 8-10 glasses of milk.” 🥛

Magnesium mnemonic

“Magnificent muscles at 1.6-2.2.” 💪

Chloride mnemonic

“Chlorine pool temp is 97-107°F.” 🏊‍♀

Phosphate mnemonic

“Phos-Four-ous - 2.5 to 4.5.” ⚡

Sodium main function

Controls water balance and BP; nerve & muscle function

Potassium main function

Regulates heart rhythm and muscle contraction

Calcium main function

Builds bones; aids nerve and muscle contraction

Magnesium main function

Calms muscles; supports cardiac & metabolic function

Chloride main function

Maintains fluid and acid-base balance; follows sodium

Phosphate main function

Provides energy (ATP); supports bone and RBC function

Electrolytes that move together

Sodium and Chloride

Electrolytes with inverse relationship

Calcium and Phosphate

Hyponatremia

(low sodium) → confusion, headache, seizures, fatigue, muscle weakness, edema

Hypernatremia

(high sodium) → fever, restlessness, increased BP, edema, dry mouth, flushed skin

Hypokalemia

(low potassium) → flat T wave, muscle weakness, constipation, shallow respirations, irregular pulse

Hyperkalemia

(high potassium) → peaked T waves, dysrhythmias, muscle cramps, diarrhea, cardiac arrest risk

Hypocalcemia

(low calcium) → muscle spasms, tingling, positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, seizures

Hypercalcemia

(high calcium) → fatigue, weakness, kidney stones, decreased DTRs (reflexes)

Hypomagnesemia

(low magnesium) → tremors, seizures, increased HR, hyperreflexia

Hypermagnesemia

(high magnesium) → bradycardia, hypotension, lethargy, decreased DTRs

Hypochloremia

(low chloride) → dehydration, muscle cramps, alkalosis

Hyperchloremia

(high chloride) → thirst, hypertension, metabolic acidosis

Hypophosphatemia

(low phosphate) → muscle weakness, confusion, ↓ cardiac function, bone pain

Hyperphosphatemia

(high phosphate) → tingling, muscle cramps, signs of hypocalcemia