Final Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is Hyponatremia?
Diluted sodium levels, less than 135 mEq/L
Causes include diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, heart, kidney, liver disorders, polydipsia, and polyuria.
What are the neurological symptoms of Hyponatremia?
Lethargy, headache, confusion, seizures, gait disorders
Other symptoms include nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms, decreased respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
What is the treatment for severe Hyponatremia?
3-5% NaCl (SLOW)
Gradual sodium replacement can also be achieved with oral sodium or isotonic IV solution.
What is Hypernatremia?
Excess sodium, more than 145 mEq/L
Symptoms include neurological dysfunction, thirst, muscle weakness, dry mucous membranes, and decreased urine output.
What are the causes of Hypernatremia?
Fluid deprivation, excessive sodium uptake, excessive sodium retention with water loss, fluid loss, sustained hyperventilation
Symptoms can range from restlessness and weakness to severe disorientation and seizures.
What is the treatment for Hypernatremia?
Gradually lower with hypotonic IV fluid, administer diuretics
Monitoring of intake/output, neurological function, and sodium levels is also required.
What is Hypokalemia?
Low potassium, less than 3.5 mEq/L
Symptoms include arrhythmia, muscle cramping, hypotension, and respiratory depression.
What are the causes of Hypokalemia?
Decreased potassium intake, hypersecretion of insulin, magnesium depletion, medications, increased aldosterone production
Can lead to GI cramping and nausea.
What is the treatment for Hypokalemia?
Oral replacement, IV infusion (never give push bolus)
Monitoring renal and cardiac function is essential.
What is Hyperkalemia?
Excess potassium, greater than 5 mEq/L
Symptoms include muscle twitching, weakness, lower blood pressure, ECG changes, and dysrhythmias.
What are the causes of Hyperkalemia?
Medications, acidosis, cell injuries, hypoaldosteronism, increased potassium intake in renal failure
Can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
What is the treatment for Hyperkalemia?
Diet restriction, IV medications (calcium gluconate, calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, IV insulin + dextrose), loop diuretics, dialysis
Monitoring ECG and re-verifying high potassium values is important.
What is Hypocalcemia?
Low calcium, less than 8.6 mg/dL
Symptoms include neuromuscular hyperactivity, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, and increased bleeding risk.
What are the causes of Hypocalcemia?
Inadequate intake, malabsorption, inadequate secretion of PTH, medications, Vitamin D deficiency
Can lead to seizures and dyspnea.
What is the treatment for Hypocalcemia?
Calcium carbonate antacid, calcium and Vitamin D supplements, IV calcium gluconate
Monitoring calcium levels and precautions for seizure and airway management are necessary.
What is Hypercalcemia?
Excess calcium, greater than 10.2 mg/dL
Symptoms include bone pain, kidney stones, abdominal pain, anxiety, and cardiac arrhythmias.
What are the causes of Hypercalcemia?
Malignancy, hyperparathyroidism, immobility, medications
90% of cases are due to malignancy or hyperparathyroidism.
What is the treatment for Hypercalcemia?
Treat underlying cause, restrict dietary intake, administer fluids and loop diuretics, IM calcitonin, IV phosphate, dialysis
EKG monitoring is also important.
What is Hypomagnesemia?
Low magnesium, less than 1.8 mg/dL
Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramping, tetany, and tremors.
What are the causes of Hypomagnesemia?
Malnutrition, alcohol abuse, GI tract loss, medications, DKA
Can affect neurofunction and cardiac health.
What is the treatment for Hypomagnesemia?
Diet, oral magnesium salts, magnesium sulfate IV
Seizure and fall prevention measures should be implemented.
What is Hypermagnesemia?
Excess magnesium, greater than 2.6 mg/dL
Symptoms include nausea, weakness, lethargy, respiratory suppression, and paralysis.
What are the causes of Hypermagnesemia?
Renal failure, tissue trauma, overdose of magnesium, medications
Medications that slow GI motility can also contribute.
What is the treatment for Hypermagnesemia?
Discontinue all sources of magnesium, loop diuretics, IV calcium gluconate
ECG monitoring is necessary.
