Electrolyte

Question 1

What are the main physiological functions of sodium? - 4

Answer 1

• Determines ECF osmolality
• Acid-base balance
• Activates nerve and muscle cells
• Influences water distribution (w/ Cl-) -4

Question 2

What are the main physiological functions of potassium? - 4

Answer 2

• Maintains cell’s electroneutrality and osmolality
• Aid in neural transmission,
skeletal muscle contraction and electrical conductivity
• Acid/base balance

Question 3

Causes for Hypernatremia with

Normal Total Body Sodium - 2

Answer 3

• Insensible water loss:
fever, burns, mechanical
venilation
• Central and nephrogenic
diabetes insipidous

Question 4

Symptoms of Hypokalemia
• Cardiovascular - 3
• Neuromuscular - 2
• Renal - 2
• Metabolic/endocrine - 3

Answer 4

• Cardiovascular
– cardiac arrhythmias (digoxin)
– rhythm disturbances
– hypotension
• Neuromuscular
– cramps
– muscle weakness
• Renal
– inability to concentrate urine
– nephropathy
• Metabolic/endocrine
– Decreased aldosterone release
– Decreased renal response to ADH
– Decreased insulin release