Electrolytes

Question 1

hyponatremia

Answer 1

sodium level less than 135mEq/L

Question 2

hypokalemia

Answer 2

serum potassium level is less than 3.5mEq/L

Question 3

hypocalcemia

Answer 3

serum calcium level less than 8.5 mg/dL

Question 4

hypernatremia

Answer 4

sodium level greater than 145mEq/L

Question 5

hyperkalemia

Answer 5

serum potassium level is greater than 145mEq/L

Question 6

hypercalcemia

Answer 6

serum calcium level is greater than 11mg/dL

Question 7

hypomagnesemia

Answer 7

serum magnesium level is less than

Question 8

hypermagnesemia

Answer 8

serum magenisum level is greater than 2.1mEq/L

Question 9

hypophosphatemia

Answer 9

serum phosphorus level is less than 2.0mg/dL

Question 10

hyperphosphatemia

Answer 10

serum phosphorus level is greater than 4.5mg/dL

Question 11

hyperchloremia

Answer 11

serum chloride level is greater than 110mEq/L

Question 12

hypochloremia

Answer 12

serum chloride level is less than 94mEq/L

Question 13

normal serum sodium level

Answer 13

135 to 145 mEq/L

Question 14

normal serum potassium level

Answer 14

3.5 to 5 mEq/L

Question 15

normal serum chloride level

Answer 15

96 to 106 mEq/L

Question 16

normal serum phosphorus level

Answer 16

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL

Question 17

normal serum calcium level

Answer 17

8.4 to 10.2mg/dL

Question 18

normal serum magnesium level

Answer 18

1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L

Question 19

sodium functions

Answer 19

• regulates osmolality
• helps maintain blood pressure
• helps maintain acid-base balance
• promotes transmission of nerve impulses to muscle and tissues with the help of other electrolytes

Question 20

potassium functions

Answer 20

• maintains fluid balance in the cells
• contracts skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles
• helps breakdown carbohydrates and fats
• promotes cellular growth
• helps maintain acid-base balance

Question 21

calcium function

Answer 21

• development of teeth & bones
• maintain muscle tone
• helps regulated BP by aiding in cardiac contractility
• co-factor in the clotting cascade
• aids in contraction of skeletal and cardiac muscles

Question 22

magnesium functions

Answer 22

• coenzyme for metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins
• maintain bone strength and health
• aids in smooth muscle contraction and relaxation

Question 23

phosphorus functions

Answer 23

• acid-base buffer
• transport fatty acids
• provides engery (ATP) for muscle contractions

ATP=adensoine triphosphate

Question 24

chloride functions

Answer 24

• maintains acid-base balance
• stimulates stomach acid for digestion

Question 25

sodium abbreviation

Answer 25

na+

Question 26

potassium abbreviation

Answer 26

K+

Question 27

calcium abbreviation

Answer 27

Ca+

Question 28

phophorus abbreviation

Answer 28

PO4

Question 29

chloride abbreviation

Answer 29

Cl-

Question 30

magnesium abbreviation

Answer 30

Mg+

Question 31

Causes for hypomagnesemia

Answer 31

* chronic alcoholism * malabsorption or malnutrition * use of diretics * DKA * hyperparathyroidism * hyperaldosteronism

Question 32

causes for hypermagnesemia

Answer 32

* renal failure * excessive intake of magnesium containing antiacids * adrenal deficiency

Question 33

causes for hyperphosphatemia

Answer 33

* renal failure * chemotherapy * hypoparathyroidism * increase consumption of foods high in phosphorus * excessive use of phosphorus containing laxatives or enemas

Question 34

causes for hypophophatemia

Answer 34

* intestinal malabsorption * hyperparathyroidism (increase in renal excretion) * respiratory alkalosis * excessive intake of phosphate-binding antacids * vitamin D deficiency * long-term alcohol abuse

Question 35

causes for hyperchloremia

Answer 35

* excessive intake of sodium chloride (orally or intravenous) * hypernatremia

Question 36

causes for hypochloremia

Answer 36

* excessive persperiation * in alkalosis during early phases of vomiting with a lost of hydrochloric acid from the stomach

Question 37

causes for hypercalcemia

Answer 37

* hyperparathyroidism * overdose of vitamin D * bone metastases from cancer

Question 38

causes for hypocalcemia

Answer 38

* hypoparathyroidism * decrease intestinal absorption * decrease in vitamin D * administration of blood products * acute pancreatitis

Question 39

causes for hyperkalemia

Answer 39

* renal failure * excessive potassium intake from food or salt substitutes * hydroaldosteronism * cellular damage from traumas (crush injuries or burns) * medications- potassium sparing diruetics, ACE inhibitors, and NSAIDS * acidosis-metabolic or respiratory ## Footnote ACE Inhibitiors- angiotensin-converting enzyme or NSAIDS-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Question 40

causes for hypokalemia

Answer 40

* GI Losses (diarrhea, gastric suctioning, ostomy fluids, or vomiting * diabetic ketoacidosis * metabolic acidosis * pernicious anemia

Question 41

causes for hypernatremia

Answer 41

* medications and meals (too much salt intake) * osmotic diuretic agents * diabetes insipidus * excessive water loss * low water intake (leads to dehydration)

Question 42

causes for hyponatremia

Answer 42

* fluid overload (IV or oral) * hyperglycemia, SIADH, heart failure * aggressive diuretic therapy * GI losses (diarrhea, fistulas, vomiting) * excessive sweating (sodium loss)

Question 43

cations

Answer 43

positively charged ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium)

Question 44

anions

Answer 44

negatively charged ions (chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate)