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Sodium (Na) Memory Trick: Sodium controls the brain.
Hyponatremia (Na) Quick Pattern: Low sodium = slow brain (confusion, headache, seizures).
Hypernatremia (Na) Quick Pattern: High sodium = irritated brain (thirst, restlessness, dry).

Potassium (K) Memory Trick: Potassium controls the heart.
Hypokalemia (K) Quick Pattern: Low potassium = weak heart (flat T waves, cramps).
Hyperkalemia (K) Quick Pattern: High potassium = dangerous heart (peaked T waves, irregular pulse).

Calcium (Ca) Memory Trick: Calcium controls muscles.
Hypocalcemia Quick Pattern (Ca): Low calcium = twitchy muscles (tetany, Trousseau, Chvostek).
Hypercalcemia Quick Pattern (Ca): High calcium = slow muscles (constipation, lethargy, bone pain).

Magnesium (Mg) Memory Trick: Magnesium controls reflexes.
Hypomagnesemia (Mg) Quick Pattern: Low magnesium = high reflexes (tremors, hyperreflexia).
Hypermagnesemia (Mg) Quick Pattern: High magnesium = low reflexes (bradycardia, hyporeflexia, respiratory depression).

Phosphate (Phos) Memory Trick: Phosphate equals energy.
Hypophosphatemia (phos) Quick Pattern: Low phosphate = low energy (weakness, confusion).
Hyperphosphatemia (Phos) Quick Pattern: High phosphate = low calcium signs (cramps, tetany, seizures).

Chloride (Cl) Memory Trick: Chloride follows sodium and controls acid-base balance.
Hypochloremia (Cl) Quick Pattern: Low chloride = metabolic alkalosis (vomiting, NG suction).
Hyperchloremia (Cl) Quick Pattern: High chloride = metabolic acidosis (dehydration, excess normal saline).

Electrolyte System Summary: Na = brain; K = heart; Ca = muscles; Mg = reflexes; Phos = energy; Cl = acid/base.

Hyponatremia – Causes : Too much water; vomiting; diarrhea; diuretics; SIADH.

Hypernatremia – Causes : Dehydration; fever; sweating; diabetes insipidus.

Hypokalemia – Causes : Vomiting; diarrhea; NG suction; Lasix/HCTZ.

Hyperkalemia – Causes : Kidney failure; spironolactone; ACE inhibitors; burns.

Hypocalcemia – Causes : Low vitamin D; low calcium intake; GI losses; renal failure.

Hypercalcemia – Causes : Cancer; hyperparathyroidism; immobility.

Hypomagnesemia – Causes : Alcoholism; diarrhea; NG suction; diuretics.

Hypermagnesemia – Causes : Kidney failure; too much magnesium (antacids/laxatives).

Hypophosphatemia – Causes : Malnutrition; alcoholism; DKA; refeeding syndrome.

Hyperphosphatemia – Causes : Kidney failure; low calcium; cell breakdown.

Hypochloremia – Causes : Vomiting; NG suction; diuretics.

Hyperchloremia – Causes : Excess normal saline; kidney disease; dehydration.