Electrolytes

Question 1

Normal serum range for

Sodium (Na+)

Answer 1

135-145 (mEq/L)

Question 2

Normal serum range for

Potassium (K+)

Answer 2

3.5-5.2 (mEq/L)

Question 3

Normal serum range for

Magnesium (Mg++)

Answer 3

1.5-2.5 (mEq/L)

Question 4

Normal serum range for

Phosphorus (HPO4-)

Answer 4

2.5-4.5 (mg/dL)

Question 5

Normal serum range for

Calcium (Ca++)

Answer 5

8.5-10.2 (mg/dL)

Question 6

Normal serum range for

Chloride (Cl-)

Answer 6

95-105 (mEq/L)

Question 7

Major functions of

Sodium (Na+)

Answer 7

1) Fluid distribution/balance
2) Muscle contraction
3) Nerve impulses

Question 8

Major functions of

Potassium (K+)

Answer 8

1) Cardiac muscle activity

2) Skeletal muscle activity

Question 9

Major functions of

Calcium (Ca++)

Answer 9

1) Bone and tooth formation
2) Muscle contraction and relaxation
3) Conduction of nerve impulses
4) Blood coagulation

Question 10

Major functions of

Magnesium (Mg++)

Answer 10

1) Neuromuscular irritability & contractility
2) Cardiovascular functions
3) Stabilizes cell walls

Question 11

Major functions of

Phosphorus (HPO4-)

Answer 11

1) Muscle and red blood cell function
2) Formation of ATP
3) Acid-base balance
4) Structural support for bones & teeth

Question 12

Major functions of

Chloride (Cl-)

Answer 12

1) Osmotic pressure
2) Acid-base balance
3) Hydrochloric acid formation

Question 13

Signs/symptoms of

Hyponatremia

Answer 13

• Increased pulse, decreased BP, dry skin/poor turgor
• Confusion, lethargy, headache, dizziness, muscle twitching, seizures
• Abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting

Question 14

Signs/symptoms of

Hypernatremia

Answer 14

• Increased pulse, increased BP, mild body temp elevation, pulmonary edema, thirst, dry mucus membranes
• Mental status & behavioral changes, hallucinations, restless, twitching
• Nausea/vomiting, anorexia

Question 15

Signs/symptoms of

Hypokalemia

Answer 15

• Decreased BP, EKG changes (flattened T-waves, prominent U-waves)
• Fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, paresthesias, hypoactive reflexes
• Nausea/vomiting, constipation

Question 16

Signs/symptoms of

Hyperkalemia

Answer 16

• Dysrhythmias, EKG changes (tall T-waves, prolonged QRS)
• Anxiety, irritability, muscle weakness and cramping
• Diarrhea

Question 17

Signs/symptoms of

Hypocalcemia

Answer 17

• Decreased BP, EKG changes (prolonged QT interval and ST), anxiety, irritability
• Numbness/tingling, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, bronchospasm, impaired clotting time
• Diarrhea

Question 18

Signs/symptoms of

Hypercalcemia

Answer 18

• Increased BP, bradycardia, EKG changes (shortened ST segment & QT), flank pain, bone pain
• Lethargy, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, weakness
• Polyuria, polydipsia, nausea/vomiting, constipation

Question 19

Signs/symptoms of

Hypomagnesemia

Answer 19

• Increased BP, EKG changes (flat or inverted T-waves, PVCs), insomnia, mood changes
• Increased deep tendon reflexes, neuromuscular irritability/hyperactivity
• Vomiting, anorexia

Question 20

Signs/symptoms of

Hypermagnesemia

Answer 20

• Decreased BP, flushing, diaphoresis, drowsiness, depressed respirations, EKG changes (peaked T-waves, prolonged PR and QRS)
• Muscle weakness, hypoactive reflexes

Question 21

Signs/symptoms of

Hypophosphatemia

Answer 21

• Chest pain, respiratory failure, tissue hypoxia
• Confusion, muscle weakness, paresthesias, nystagmus, seizures
• Bone pain & tenderness

Question 22

Signs/symptoms of

Hyperphosphatemia

Answer 22

• Tachycardia
• Tetany, hyperactive reflexes
• Nausea/vomiting, anorexia

Question 23

Signs/symptoms of

Hypochloremia

Answer 23

• Slow & shallow respirations, dysrhythmias, agitation, irritability
• Tremors, muscle cramps, hypertonicity, tetany, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, seizures

Question 24

Signs/symptoms of

Hyperchloremia

Answer 24

• Tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, decreased cardiac output
• Cognitive changes, lethargy, weakness
• Pitting edema

Question 25

Common causes of Hyponatremia

Answer 25

Diuretic use Loss of GI fluids Renal disease Adrenal insufficiency

Question 26

Common causes of Hypernatremia

Answer 26

``` Dehydration Diabetes insipidus Hyperventilation Diaphoresis Watery diarrhea ```

Question 27

Common causes of Hypokalemia

Answer 27

``` Diarrhea Vomiting Diuretics Gastric suction Digoxin toxicity ```

Question 28

Common causes of Hyperkalemia

Answer 28

``` Renal failure Potassium-sparing diuretics Metabolic acidosis Crush injury Burns Blood transfusions Addison’s disease ```

Question 29

Common causes of Hypocalcemia

Answer 29

``` Decreased parathyroid hormone Malabsorption disorders Alkalosis Pancreatitis Increased phosphorus level ```

Question 30

Common causes of Hypercalcemia

Answer 30

``` Increased parathyroid hormone Calcium supplement overuse Renal failure Acidosis Prolonged immobilization ```

Question 31

Common causes of Hypomagnesemia

Answer 31

``` Chronic alcoholism Diabetic ketoacidosis Renal failure Malabsorption disorders Hyperparathyroidism Hyperaldosteronism ```

Question 32

Common causes of Hypermagnesemia

Answer 32

Adrenal insufficiency Renal failure Diabetic ketoacidosis Hypothyroidism

Question 33

Common causes of Hypophosphatemia

Answer 33

Alcohol withdrawal Respiratory & metabolic alkalosis Diuretic use Antacid overuse

Question 34

Common causes of Hyperphosphatemia

Answer 34

Renal failure Respiratory & metabolic acidosis Rhabdomyolysis

Question 35

Common causes of Hypochloremia

Answer 35

``` Addison’s disease Chronic respiratory acidosis Sodium deficiency Excessive sweating Vomiting Diarrhea ```

Question 36

Common causes of Hyperchloremia

Answer 36

Hypernatremia Renal failure Dehydration