Electrolyte Imbalances

High Sodium

Hypernatremia;

F -flushed skin

R -restless, anxious, confused, irritable

I -increased BP and fluid retention

E -Edema

D -Decreased urine output

S -skin is dry

A -agitation

L -low grade fever

T -thirst

Low Sodium

Hyponatremia;

S -stuper/coma

A -Anorexia (nausea/vomiting)

L -lethargy

T -tachycardia

L -limp muscles

O -Orthostatic hyptension

S -seizures/headache

S -stomach bramping

High Potassium

Hyperkalemia;

M -muscle cramps and weakness

U -urine abnormalities

R -respiratory distress

D -decreased cardiac contractility

E -ekg changes (tall t waves)

R -reflexes

Low Potassium

Hypokalemia;

N -nausea, vomiting

E -ekg changes (flattened T-waves)

D -decreased reflexes

H -hypotension

M -muscle weakenss

S -shallow breathing

S -slowing of GI system

High Calcium

Hypercalcemia;

B -bone pain

A -arrhythmia

C -cardiac arrest

K -kidney stones

M -muscle weakness

E -excessive urination

Low Calcium

Hypocalcemia;

C -convulsions/seizures

A -arrhythmia

T -tetany

S -spasms and stridor

High Magnesium

Hypermagnesemia;

Low everything - sedated

Low Magnesium

Hypomagnesemia;

High everything - not sedated

High Phosphors

Hyperphosphatemia;

M -muscle spasms and tetany

A -arrhythmias

D -dry nails and skin

S -seizures

Low Phosphorus

A -arrhythmias

L -loss of appetite

O -osteoporosis

W -weakness, fatigue

High Chloride

Hyperchloremia;

A -arrhythmias

I -increased fluid retention

H -hypertension

E -edema

Low Chloride

Hypochloremima;

M -muscle weakness

H -hypotension

T -tachycardia

A -altered mental status

F -fatigue