Electrolytes

Question 1

Sodium

Answer 1

> regulates ECF volume and distribution
stimulates reactions w/in nerve and muscle tissue (includes myocardium)
maintains blood volume
S/S: hyponatremia vs. hpernatremia
normal range: 135-145 meq/L; 140 ballpark

Question 2

Potassium

Answer 2

>maintains ICF osmality
>regulates cardiac electrical activity and muscle contraction
>tranmitts nerve impulses
>S/S: hypokalemia vs. hyperkalemia
>normal range: 3.5-5.0 meq/L; ballpark 4
*small changes can cause big problems

Question 3

Chloride

Answer 3

> HCl production
relaxes muscle contractions and transmits nerve impulses
regulates ECF balance, vascular volume, and acid base balance
S/S: hypochloremia vs. hyperchloremia
normal range: 95-105 meq/L; ballpark 100

Question 4

Magnesium

Answer 4

> regulates cardiac function, relaxes muscle contractions
transmits nerve impulses
facilitates ICF metabolism (small amount)
S/S: hypomagnesemia vs hypermagnesemia
normal range: 1.2-2.5 meq/L; ballpark 2
*small changes can cause big problems

Question 5

hyponatremia

Answer 5

low serum sodium levels; S/S: HA, apprehension, confused, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, seizures, coma

Question 6

hypernatremia

Answer 6

high serum sodium levels; dry mm, fatigue, restlessness, weakness, agitation, convulsions

Question 7

hypokalemia

Answer 7

low serum potassium levels; cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, leg cramps, anorexia, nausea, vomiting

Question 8

hyperkalemia

Answer 8

high serum potassium levels; cardiac dysrhythmias or arrest, confusion, diarrhea

Question 9

hypochloremia

Answer 9

low serum chloride levels; alkalosis, muscle twitching, tremors, tetany

Question 10

hyperchloremia

Answer 10

high serum chloride levels; acidosis, weakness, lethargy, dysrhythmias

Question 11

hypomagnesemia

Answer 11

low serum magnesium levels; cardiac dysrhythmias, tremors, increased reflexes

Question 12

hypermagnesemia

Answer 12

high serum magnesium levels; peripheral vasodilation, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia