Electrolyte Imbalances

Question 1

What foods are rich in calcium?

Answer 1

Dairy, Leafy greens, Fish, Almonds, Tofu, Soy products
(mnemonic: Don’t Let Fish And Tofu Spoil)

Question 2

What hormone increases serum calcium levels?

Answer 2

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Question 3

How does PTH increase calcium levels?

Answer 3

Activates osteoclasts, increases GI absorption, and increases renal reabsorption

Question 4

What hormone decreases serum calcium levels?

Answer 4

Calcitonin

Question 5

How does calcitonin decrease calcium levels?

Answer 5

Inhibits GI absorption, promotes renal excretion, and deposits calcium in bones

Question 6

What is the normal range of calcium?

Answer 6

9–10.5 mg/dL

Question 7

Causes of hypercalcemia?

Answer 7

Excessive calcium/vitamin D intake, thiazide diuretics, hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, dehydration

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Answer 8

Polyuria, muscle weakness, constipation, cardiac dysrhythmias, lethargy, confusion

Question 9

Nursing interventions for hypercalcemia?

Answer 9

Monitor calcium, IV fluids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, stop thiazides, cardiac monitor

Question 10

Causes of hypocalcemia?

Answer 10

Low PTH, vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption, chronic kidney disease

Question 11

Signs of hypocalcemia?

Answer 11

Tetany, Chvostek sign, Trousseau sign, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, laryngeal stridor

Question 12

Nursing interventions for hypocalcemia?

Answer 12

IV calcium, seizure precautions, ECG, respiratory monitoring, increase dietary calcium

Question 13

What foods are high in potassium?

Answer 13

Fish, Avocado, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomato (FAST)

Bananas, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Mushrooms, Oranges (Bunny Can Carry Many Oranges)

Raisins, Potatoes, Pork, Beef (Roast Potatoes, Pork and Beef)

Question 14

Normal range for potassium?

Answer 14

3.5–5.0 mEq/L

Question 15

Causes of hyperkalemia?

Answer 15

Excess intake, kidney disease, potassium-sparing diuretics, DKA, tumor lysis, rhabdomyolysis

Question 16

ECG changes in hyperkalemia?

Answer 16

Tall peaked T waves, absent P waves

Question 17

Nursing interventions for hyperkalemia?

Answer 17

Diuretics, insulin + dextrose, calcium gluconate, avoid potassium foods, cardiac monitoring

Question 18

Causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 18

GI loss, renal loss, insulin, beta agonists, alkalosis

Question 19

Signs of hypokalemia?

Answer 19

Muscle cramps, ileus, VT/VF, PVCs

Question 20

Nursing interventions for hypokalemia?

Answer 20

Potassium chloride, avoid wasting diuretics, correct hypomagnesemia, cardiac monitoring

Question 21

Normal magnesium level?

Answer 21

1.2–2.5 mEq/L

Question 22

Foods rich in magnesium?

Answer 22

Spinach, broccoli, avocados, potatoes, whole grains

Question 23

Causes of hypermagnesemia?

Answer 23

Magnesium-containing medications, IV MgSO4, renal insufficiency

Question 24

Signs of hypermagnesemia?

Answer 24

Diminished DTRs, hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest

Question 25

Nursing interventions for hypermagnesemia?

Answer 25

Stop Mg meds, IV fluids, calcium gluconate, dialysis, avoid Mg foods

Question 26

Normal range for sodium?

Answer 26

135–145 mEq/L

Question 27

Causes of hypernatremia?

Answer 27

High sodium intake, dehydration, DI, kidney disease

Question 28

Signs of hypernatremia?

Answer 28

Lethargy, seizures, dry mucous membranes, polydipsia

Question 29

Signs of hyponatremia?

Answer 29

Headache, N/V, seizures, coma

Question 30

Nursing interventions for hyponatremia?

Answer 30

0.9% NaCl if needed, fluid restriction, seizure precautions

Question 31

Normal range for phosphorus?

Answer 31

2.7–4.5 mg/dL

Question 32

Relationship between phosphorus and calcium?

Answer 32

Inverse relationship

Question 33

Causes of hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 33

Tumor lysis, kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism

Question 34

Signs of hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 34

Tetany, spasms, Chvostek and Trousseau signs

Question 35

Nursing interventions for hyperphosphatemia?

Answer 35

Calcium gluconate, phosphate binders, monitor calcium and phosphorus