Electrolyte Balance Summary

ELECTROLYTE OVERVIEW

  • Sodium (Na+): Normal: 136-145 mEq/dL; Controls fluid balance, nerve signals. Sources: Salt, processed foods.

  • Potassium (K+): Normal: 3.5-5 mEq/dL; Regulates heartbeats, muscle function. Sources: Bananas, potatoes.

  • Calcium (Ca2+): Normal: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL; Builds bones, muscle contraction. Sources: Dairy, leafy greens.

  • Magnesium (Mg2+): Normal: 1.3-2.1 mEq/dL; Calms nerves, builds DNA. Sources: Nuts, seeds.

  • Phosphorus (PO43-): Normal: 3.0-4.5 mg/dL; Powers cells, builds DNA. Sources: Meat, legumes.

SODIUM IMBALANCES

  • Hyponatremia: Sodium < 136 mEq/L. Etiology includes excessive water intake, kidney failure, heart failure, and gastrointestinal loss.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Neurological changes, confusion, seizures, weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, altered cardiovascular responses.

    • Diagnosis: Serum sodium < 136, low blood osmolarity, variable urine sodium levels.

    • Nursing Care: Intake/output monitoring, sodium-rich diet, intravenous fluid administration (IVF), slow sodium replacement to avoid complications.

  • Hypernatremia: Sodium > 145 mEq/L. Etiology includes dehydration, kidney failure.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Increased heart rate, hypotension, muscle weakness, irritability, seizures.

    • Nursing Care: Monitor vital signs, maintain safety, encourage hydration, manage sodium intake.

POTASSIUM IMBALANCES

  • Hypokalemia: Potassium < 3.5 mEq/L. Etiology involves diuretic use, GI loss, starvation.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Cardiovascular dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, altered mental status, hypoventilation.

    • Nursing Care: Monitor cardiac rhythm and respiratory status, administer potassium supplements orally or intravenously, educate on dietary potassium.

  • Hyperkalemia: Potassium > 5.0 mEq/L. Etiology includes renal failure, adrenal insufficiency, tissue damage.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Irregular heart rate, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances.

    • Nursing Care: Monitor cardiac rhythm, restrict potassium intake, assess vital signs.

CALCIUM IMBALANCES

  • Hypocalcemia: Calcium < 9.0 mg/dL. Etiology includes inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Tetany, seizures, cardiovascular instability.

    • Nursing Care: Administer calcium supplements, monitor for complications, safety precautions.

  • Hypercalcemia: Calcium > 10.5 mg/dL. Etiology includes hyperparathyroidism, malignancy.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Muscle weakness, altered mental status, gastrointestinal disturbances.

    • Nursing Care: Hydration, monitor cardiovascular and neurological status, restrict dietary calcium.

MAGNESIUM IMBALANCES

  • Hypomagnesemia: Magnesium < 1.3 mEq/L. Etiology involves malnutrition, gastrointestinal losses.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Cardiac dysrhythmias, neuromuscular excitability.

    • Nursing Care: Monitor cardiac rhythm, administer magnesium supplements, dietary education.

  • Hypermagnesemia: Magnesium > 2.1 mEq/L. Rare unless intake or renal failure.

    • Clinical Manifestations: Bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory failure.

    • Nursing Care: Correct underlying causes, administer magnesium-free IV fluids, monitor closely for complications.