Fluid and Electrolytes Flashcards
(16 cards)
Hypokalemia
Bilateral ascending flaccid muscle weakness
abdominal distention
constipation
postural hypotension
polyuria
cardiac dysrhythmias
Normal potassium levels
3.5-5
Hyperkalemia
Bilateral ascending flaccid muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest if severe
Hypocalcemia
Increased neuromuscular excitability: positive Chvostek and trousseau signs, muscle cramps, twitching, hyperactive reflexes, carpal and pedal spasms, tetany, seizures, laryngospasm, cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypercalcemia
Decreased neuromuscular excitability: anorexia, nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, decreased LOC, cardiac dysrhythmias
Normal calcium levels
9-11 mg/dL
Hypomagnesemia
Increased neuromuscular excitability: positive Chvostek and trousseau signs, insomnia, hyperactive reflexes, muscle cramps, and twitching, nystagmus, tetany, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypermagnesemia
Decreased neuromuscular excitability: flushing, diaphoresis, diminished reflexes, hypotension, decreased LOC, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, bradycardia, cardiac dysrhythmias
Normal magnesium levels
1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Too little volume
Sudden weight loss, skin tenting, dry mucous membranes, vascular underload: rapid thread pulse, postural BP drop with concurrent HR increase, lightheadedness, flat neck veins when supine, oliguria, syncope, circulatory shock if severe.
Too much volume
Sudden weight gain, dependent edema, vascular overload: bounding pulse, distended neck veins when upright, dyspnea, pulmonary edema if severe.
What is the definition of hyponatremia?
Not enough sodium
What is the definition of hypernatremia?
to much sodium
Hyponatremia
Impaired cerebral function: decreased LOC, nausea, seizures if severe
Hypernatremia
Impaired cerebral function: decreased LOC, thirst
Normal sodium levels
135-145
