Electrolyte Imbalances

135-145 mEq/L

What is the proper range for Na+ in the body?

-Dehydration

-Uncommon in healthy individuals

-May occur in infants due to diarrhea

-May occur in the elderly when undetected by brain sensors or from kidney problems

What are some possible causes of hypernatremia?

-Thirst

-CNS dehydration leads to confusion and lethargy progressing to coma

What are some possible consequences of hypernatremia?

-Water retention

-Burned skin (excessive Na+ loss)

-Deficiency of aldosterone (Addison's disease)

What are some possible causes of hyponatremia?

Most common signs are those of neurologic dysfunction due to brain swelling

What are some possible consequences of hyponatremia?

3.5-5.5 mEq/L

What is the proper range for K+ in the body?

Severe tissue injuries that cause K+ to leave cells

What are some possible causes of hyperkalemia?

-Bradycardia

-Cardiac arrythmia and arrest

-Skeletal muscle weakness

What are some possible consequences of hyperkalemia?

-GI tract disturbances

-Cushing's syndrome

What are some possible causes of hypokalemia?

Flattened T wave on ECG

What are some possible consequences of hypokalemia?

1.6-2.9 mEq/L

What is the proper range for HPO4 2- in the body?

Hyperparathyroidism

What are some possible causes of hypophosphatemia?

Increase in Ca 2+ levels

What are some possible consequences of hypophosphatemia?

Hypoparathyroidism

What are some possible causes of hyperphosphatemia?

Decrease in Ca 2+ levels

What are some possible consequences of hyperphosphatemia?

95-105 mEq/L

What is the proper range for Cl- in the body?

Metabolic acidosis

What are some possible causes of hyperchloremia?

pH abnormalities

What are some possible consequences of hyperchloremia?

Metabolic alkalosis due to vomiting or excessive ingestion of alkaline substances

What are some possible causes of hypochloremia?

9-10.5 mg%

What is the proper range for Ca 2+ in the body?

Hyperparathyroidism

What are some possible causes of hypercalcemia?

-Decreases neuromuscular excitability

-Possible blocking of Na+ channels

-Kidney stones

What are some possible consequences of hypercalcemia?

Vitamin D deficiency

What are some possible causes of hypocalcemia?

-Increased neuromuscular excitability

-Tingling

-Convulsions

What are some possible consequences of hypocalcemia?

1.4-2.2 mEq/L

What is the proper range for Mg 2+ in the body?

Occurs in renal failure when Mg 2+ is not excreted normally

What are some possible causes of hypermagnesemia?

-Flaccid muscles

-Slower breathing

What are some possible consequences of hypermagnesemia?

Alcoholism

What are some possible causes of hypomagnesemia?

Tremors

What are some possible consequences of hypomagnesemia?

If uncompensated:

-PCO2 > 45 mmHg

-pH < 7.35

What numbers indicate respiratory acidosis?

Narcotic overdose

What are some possible causes of respiratory acidosis?

If uncompensated:

-PCO2 < 35mmHg

-pH > 7.45

What numbers indicate respiratory alkalosis?

-Strong emotions

-Hypoxemia

What are some possible causes of respiratory alkalosis?

Hyperventilation

What is respiratory alkalosis also known as?

If uncompensated:

-HCO3 < 22mmHg

-pH < 7.35

What numbers indicate metabolic acidosis?

-Untreated diabetes mellitus

-Starvation

What are some possible causes of metabolic acidosis?

If uncompensated:

-HCO3 > 26mmHg

-pH > 7.45

What numbers indicate metabolic alkalosis?

-Vomiting or gastric suctioning

-Ingestion of excessive sodium bicarbonate (antacid)

What are some possible causes of metabolic alkalosis?