Fluid and Electrolytes

Cards (28)

  • Calcium range:
    • Total: 9-10.5
    • Partial: 4.5-5.1
  • Sodium range: 136-145
  • Potassium range: 3.5-5
  • Magnesium range: 1.3-2.1
  • Phosphorus range: 2.5-4.5
  • Chloride range: 97-107
  • Calcium:
    • Maintains bone health, stored in teeth and bones
    • Involved in muscle movement, nerve transmission, cell permeability, blood flow
    • Affected by parathyroid levels
  • HYPOcalcemia:
    • Irregular heartbeat, Trousseau's sign, increased bowel sounds, bronchospasm, impaired clotting time, seizures, irritability, diarrhea, tetany, Chvostek's sign, hypotension/hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
  • HYPOcalcemia interventions:
    • Seizure precautions, Ca+ supplements, dairy, greens
  • HYPERcalcemia:
    • Bone pain, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, kidney stones, muscle weakness, excessive urination
  • HYPERcalcemia interventions:
    • Increase fluid, fiber, IV fluids, furosemide
  • Sodium:
    • Supports nerve transmission, muscle function, BP, fluid balance
    • Regulated by ADH, thirst, RAAS
  • HYPOnatremia:
    • Stupor, coma, anorexia, lethargy, tendon reflexes, limp muscles, orthostatic hypertension, seizures, headache, stomach cramping
  • HYPOnatremia interventions:
    • Reduce fluids, increase salt intake, isotonic fluids, sodium tablets, electrolyte replacement
    • Seizure precautions, daily weight, I/Os, postural hypotension
  • HYPERnatremia:
    • Flushed skin, restlessness, increased BP, edema, decreased urine output, dry mouth, agitation, low-grade fever, thirst
  • HYPERnatremia interventions:
    • Diuretics, hypotonic fluids, low sodium intake, increase water intake, monitor renal output
  • Potassium:
    • Intracellular cation, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, fluid balance
  • HYPOkalemia:
    • Alkalosis, shallow respirations, irritability, confusion, weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, tachycardia, lethargy, thready pulse, low intestinal mobility
  • HYPOkalemia interventions:
    • Foods like squash, potatoes, avocados, cantaloupe, bananas, K+ supplements
    • Monitor U wave, respirations, arrhythmias
    • Dilute K+ supplements, monitor urine output, GI motility
  • HYPERkalemia:
    • Muscle cramps, urine abnormalities, respiratory distress, decreased cardiac contractility, EKG changes, decreased reflexes
  • HYPERkalemia interventions:
    • Stop K+ supplements, T waves, kayexalate, insulin with dextrose, K+ restricted foods, loop diuretics
  • Chloride:
    • Anion in extracellular fluid, acid-base balance, gastric juice activity, nerve/muscle contraction
  • Magnesium:
    • Neuromuscular transmission, myocardial contraction
  • HYPOmagnesemia:
    • Neuromuscular irritability, Chvostek's sign, Trousseau's sign, insomnia, mood changes, anorexia, vomiting, increased reflexes, hypertension
  • HYPOmagnesemia interventions:
    • Foods like meats, nuts, beans, fish, veggies, magnesium sulfate
  • HYPERmagnesemia:
    • Flushing, hypotension, muscle weakness, drowsiness, coma, hypoactive reflexes, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, diaphoresis, tachycardia, bradycardia
  • HYPERmagnesemia interventions:
    • Restrict Mg-rich foods, avoid laxatives, antacids
  • Phosphorus:
    • Bone/teeth formation, neuromuscular activity, cellular activity