electrolyte imbalances

Question 1

hypovolemia

Answer 1

too little fluid

• causes = GI losses, sweating, vomiting, suctioning, overuse of diuretics
• symptoms = thirst, dry mucosal, low skin turgur and cap refill, weight loss, postural hypotension, high pulse rate, high RR, low urine output (concentrated)
• nursing care = replace fluid with fluid and electrolytes

Question 2

hypervolemia

Answer 2

too much water

• causes = too much fluid and electrolytes, HF, renal failure, long term corticosteroid use
• manifestation = muscle spasms, seizure, peripheral edema and pulmonary edema (lung crackles), jugular vein distention, bounding pulse, S3 heart sound, increased blood pressure, increased weight
• may have low Na

Question 3

hyponatremia

Answer 3

• too little Na
• causes: GI losses, hypervolemia, renal losses
• manifestations: irritability, confusion, dizziness, tremors, seizures (mental), headache, muscle spasms, naseua, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
• treat w hypertonic soln

Question 4

hypernatremia

Answer 4

• too much Na
• causes = dehydration, diabetes, cushings
• manifestations = thirst, agitation, flushed skin, edema, increased bp, postural hypotension, weight loss