Electrolyte Imbalances

Question 1

What is a common cause of Lyte imbalance?

Answer 1

Lab error!

Question 2

Normal range for K+

Answer 2

3.5-5.0mEq/L

Question 3

What are the surgical causes of Hyperkalemia

Answer 3

Iatrogenic OD, blood transfusion, renal failure, diuretics, acidosis, tissue destruction (injury/hemolysis)

Question 4

Sx/Sg of Hyperkalemia

Answer 4

Decreased DTRs or areflexia, weakness, paraesthesia, paralysis, respiratory failure

Question 5

ECG findings of Hyperkalemia

Answer 5

Peaked T waves, depressed ST segment, prolonged PR, wide QRS, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation

Question 6

Surgical causes of Hypokalemia

Answer 6

diuretics, some abx, steroids, alkalossi, diarrhea, intestinal fistula, NG aspiratio, vomiting, insulin, inusff. supplementation, aphoterrible (:))

Question 7

Sg/Sx of hypokalemia

Answer 7

weakness, tetany, nausea, vomting, ILEUS, paraesthesia

Question 8

What are the ECG findings of Hypokalemia

Answer 8

FLAT T WAVES (opposite of peaky), U waves, ST seg depression (same as HYPERK), PAC, PVC, atrial fib (opposite of HyperK)

Question 9

What is the most common lyte mediated ileus in the surgical patient?

Answer 9

Hypokalemia

Question 10

What lyte must you replace before you replace K+

Answer 10

Mag

Question 11

Normal sodium range

Answer 11

135-145 mEq/L

Question 12

Surgical causes of Hypernatremia

Answer 12

Inadequate hydration, DI, diuresis, vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis, tachypnea, iatrogenic (TPN)

Question 13

Sg/Sx of hypernatremia

Answer 13

Seizures, confusion, stupor, pulm or peripheral edema, resp paralysis

Question 14

how fast should you lower the Na level in Hypernatremia?

Answer 14

Gluideline is <12 mEq/L per day

Question 15

Major complication of lowering sodium level too fast

Answer 15

central pontine myelinolysis

Question 16

3 types of Hyponatremia

Answer 16

Hypovolemic, Euvolemic, hypervolemic

Question 17

Sg/Sx of hyponatremia

Answer 17

Seizure, coma, nausea, vomiting, ileus, lethargy, confusion, weakness

Question 18

Tx of Hypovolemic Hyponat.

Answer 18

NS IV, correct underlying cause

Question 19

Tx of Euvolemic Hyponat.

Answer 19

SIADH: furosemide and NS acute, fluid restriction

Question 20

Tx of Hypervolemic Hyponat

Answer 20

Dilutional: fluid restriction and diuretic

Question 21

how fast should you inc NA level in hyponatremia

Answer 21

guideline is < 12 mEq/L per day

Question 22

What occurs if you correct hyponatremia too quickly

Answer 22

central pontine myelinolysis

Question 23

What are signs of central pontine myelinolysis

Answer 23

Confusion
Spastic quadriplegia
Horizontal gaze paralysis

Question 24

Most common cause of mild postop hyponatremia

Answer 24

Fluid overload