Electrolytes Flashcards
Sodium info
NA+
Principle extracellular cation
Helps to regulate water
Levels can be too high or too low
Low Sodium
hyponatremia
High Sodium
hypernatremia
Hyponatremia effects
nausea vomiting muscle weakness spasms or cramps seizures coma
Hypernatremia effects
weakness lethargy irritability edema seizures coma
Potassium info
K+
Mostly intracellular ion
Plays role in neuromuscular functioning conversion of glucose to glycogen
Levels maintained via NA+/K+ pump
High Potassium
hyperkalemia
Low Potassium
hypokalemia
Hyperkalemia effects
may lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and ultimately death
Hypokalemia effects
leads to decreased muscle function, vomiting, and eventually cardiac dysfunction
Calcium info
CA2+
Required for bone growth
Has very important function in the heart (allows motor to attach to actin filaments, which allows for muscle contraction)
necessary for blood clotting
High Calcium
hypercalcemia
Low Calcium
hypocalcemia
Hypercalcemia effects
muscle weakness lethargy ataxia vasodilation hot/flushed skin
Hypocalcemia effects
skeletal muscle cramps abdominal cramps carpal/pedal spasms hypotension vasoconstriction
Bicarbonate info
HCO3-
Very important in the regulation of blood pH
primary buffer for all bodily fluids
Normal blood pH levels
7.35 - 7.45
Chloride info
CI-
regulates the pH of the stomach
Phosphate info
PO43-
useful for the formation of ATP (energy carrier) as well as regulation of cellular enzymes
