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Surgery I > Electrolytes > Flashcards

Electrolytes Flashcards

(44 cards)

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1
Q

What percentage of an average healthy adult’s weight is constituted by fluid?

A

60%

This fluid volume is approximately 40 liters.

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2
Q

What factors can disturb fluid and electrolyte balance in the body?

A
  • Excessive temperatures
  • Excessive activity
  • Therapeutic measures (e.g., diuretics, nasogastric suction)

Adequate water and salt intake is essential to maintain balance.

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3
Q

How much does a healthy person’s weight vary in 24 hours?

A

Less than 0.2 kg (0.5 lb)

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4
Q

What are the two major compartments of body fluid?

A
  • Intracellular fluid (ICF)
  • Extracellular fluid (ECF)
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5
Q

What percentage of total body fluid does intracellular fluid (ICF) constitute?

A

Two-thirds

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6
Q

What are the three compartments of extracellular fluid (ECF)?

A
  • Intravascular fluid (plasma)
  • Interstitial fluid
  • Transcellular fluid
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7
Q

What is the primary function of extracellular fluid?

A

It serves as a transport system that carries nutrients to and waste products from the cells.

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8
Q

What is the normal range for serum potassium levels?

A

3.5-5.0 mEq/L

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9
Q

What is the daily water intake needed for a normal adult?

A

About 2.5 liters

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10
Q

What is the minimum flow of water necessary for maintaining water and electrolyte balance?

A

1500 ml

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11
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of Extracellular Fluid Volume Deficit (ECFVD)?

A
  • Hypotension
  • Weakness
  • Decreased venous filling
  • Tachycardia
  • Decreased skin turgor
  • Dry skin
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12
Q

What are the causes of Extracellular Fluid Volume Excess (Overhydration)?

A
  • Excessive fluid or sodium intake
  • Compromised regulatory mechanisms
  • Cardiac failure
  • Cirrhosis of liver
  • Renal failure
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13
Q

What are the clinical manifestations of Extracellular Fluid Volume Excess?

A
  • Increased BP
  • Bounding pulse
  • Venous distention
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Dyspnea
  • Orthopnea
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14
Q

What is hyperkalemia?

A

A potassium excess, or serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L

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15
Q

What is hypokalemia?

A

A potassium deficit, or serum potassium level of less than 3.5 mEq/L

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16
Q

What factors can lead to hypokalemia?

A
  • Inadequate intake
  • Excessive excretion
  • GI losses
  • Use of potassium-wasting drugs (e.g., diuretics)
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17
Q

What are the clinical signs of hyperkalemia?

A
  • Irritability
  • Apathy
  • Confusion
  • Cardiac dysrhythmias or arrest
  • Muscle weakness
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18
Q

What is hyponatremia?

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A

A sodium deficit, or serum sodium level of less than 135 mEq/L

19
Q

What are the risk factors for developing hypernatremia?

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A
  • Decreased sodium excretion
  • High sodium intake
  • Excessive or rapid IV infusion of sodium
20
Q

What is the role of sodium in the body?

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A

It regulates water movement in and out of the vascular system.

21
Q

What is the normal range for serum sodium levels?

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A

135-145 mEq/L

22
Q

What is the serum sodium level indicating hyponatremia?

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A

Serum sodium below 135 mEq/L

Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood

23
Q

What are common causes of sodium loss leading to hyponatremia?

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A
  • Sweating
  • Diuretics
  • Diarrhea
24
Q

What are the clinical signs of hyponatremia?

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A
  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Muscle twitching
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
25
What is the serum osmolality level indicating hyponatremia?
Serum osmolality below 280 mOsm/kg ## Footnote This measurement indicates low solute concentration in the blood
26
What are the nursing interventions for hyponatremia?
* Monitor fluid intake and output * Assess clinical signs * Monitor laboratory data * Encourage food and fluid high in sodium if permitted * Assess patient closely if administering hypertonic saline solutions * Limit water intake as indicated
27
What is the serum sodium level indicating hypernatremia?
Serum sodium above 145 mEq/L ## Footnote Hypernatremia is a condition characterized by high sodium levels in the blood
28
What are common causes of water loss leading to hypernatremia?
* Insensible water loss (hyperventilation & fever) * Diarrhea * Water deprivation
29
What are the clinical signs of severe hypernatremia?
* Fatigue * Restlessness * Irritability * Seizures * Decreased level of consciousness * Disorientation * Convulsions * Hypertension * Tachycardia
30
What is the recommended maximum rate of sodium correction for acute hypernatremia?
Max of 1-2 mEq/l/hr
31
What is the recommended maximum rate of sodium correction for chronic hypernatremia?
Max of 0.5 mEq/l/hr, Max of 8 mEq/l/day
32
What defines hypocalcemia?
Serum calcium level of less than 8.5 mg/dl
33
What are two signs that indicate hypocalcemia?
* Chvostek’s sign * Trousseau’s sign
34
What are common causes of hypercalcemia?
* Hyperparathyroidism * Malignancy of the bone * Prolonged immobilization
35
What are the clinical signs of hypercalcemia?
* Lethargy * Weakness * Depressed reflexes * Bone pain * Anorexia * Nausea * Vomiting * Constipation * Polyuria * Hypercalciuria
36
What is the serum calcium level indicating hypercalcemia?
Serum calcium greater than 10.5 mg/dl
37
What are the nursing interventions for hypocalcemia?
* Closely monitor respiratory and cardiovascular status * Administer oral or parenteral calcium supplements as ordered * Teach about dietary sources rich in calcium * Administer calcium gluconate if necessary
38
What defines hypomagnesemia?
Total serum level of magnesium less than 1.5 mEq/L
39
What are common causes of hypomagnesemia?
* Excessive loss from the GIT * Long-term use of diuretics * Chronic alcoholism * Pancreatitis
40
What are the clinical signs of hypomagnesemia?
* Neuromuscular irritability * Increased reflexes * Convulsions * Disorientation * Respiratory difficulties
41
What is the serum magnesium level indicating hypermagnesemia?
Serum magnesium above 2.5 mEq/L
42
What are common causes of hypermagnesemia?
* Renal failure * Adrenal insufficiency * Treatment with magnesium salts
43
What are the clinical signs of hypermagnesemia?
* Peripheral vasodilation * Nausea * Muscle weakness * Hypotension * Bradycardia * Respiratory depression
44
What are nursing interventions for hypermagnesemia?
* Monitor vital signs and level of consciousness * Notify primary care provider if patellar reflexes are absent * Advise patients with renal diseases to consult before taking medications

Surgery I (5 decks)

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