Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
(167 cards)
1
Q
What is fluid and Electrolyte balance?
A
The process of regulating the extracellular fluid volume, body fluid osmolality, and plasma concentrations of the electrolytes.
2
Q
What is acid-base balance?
A
The process of regulating the pH, bicarbonate concentration, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide of body fluids.
3
Q
What are the 3 main characteristics of fluids that must be kept in balance in order to maintain normal cell function?
A
- Amount of fluid (volume).
- Concentration of fluid (osmolality).
- Composition - electrolyte concentration and acid/base balance of that fluid.
4
Q
What is osmolality?
A
Osmolality is the number of particles per kilogram of H2O. Osmolality is reported as a solute in H2O specifically.
5
Q
What is tonicity?
A
Tonicity is related to the effect the fluid would have on a cell as a result of the permeability of the membrane to the solute.
6
Q
What is isotonic?
A
Isotonic fluid is equal to the osmolality of blood. It doesn’t change the volume of the cell.
7
Q
What percentage of a normal male’s body is composed of H2O?
A
A normal male’s body is composed of 60% H2O. A male’s percentage of H2O is greater than a female’s.
8
Q
What populations of humans are composed of a lower percentage of H2O?
A
The elderly. H2O percentage decreases with age. The obese. Fat holds less H20 than muscle. The obese have a lower percentage of H20. Most at risk, obese and elderly patient.
9
Q
What are the two main types of body fluid?
A
The two main types of body fluid are: intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.
10
Q
What is intracellular fluid?
A
Intracellular fluid is found within the cells, contains the electrolytes: potassium, phosphate, sulfate, and is 2/3 of adult fluid volume.
11
Q
What electrolytes exist intracellularly?
A
Intracellular electrolytes are: potassium, sulfate, and phosphate.
12
Q
What is extracellular fluid?
A
Extracellular fluid is all fluid that is found outside of the cells. Electrolytes that exist in the extracellular fluid are: sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate (HCO3). 1/3 of total adult fluid volume.
13
Q
What are the 4 types of extracellular fluid?
A
The 4 types of extracellular fluid are: intravascular, interstitial, lymph and transcellular.
14
Q
What does intravascular fluid consist of?
A
Extracellular intravascular fluid consists of the liquid parts of blood.
15
Q
What is interstitial fluid?
A
Extracellular interstitial fluid is the fluid between the cells.
16
Q
What is transcellular fluid?
A
Transcellular fluid is found outside of the cells in cerebral fluid, lung fluid, …
17
Q
What does hypotonic mean in reference to body fluids?
A
Hypotonic fluids will cause the fluids to move into a cell because the extracellular fluid has a lower osmolality than the cell.
18
Q
What does hypertonic mean in reference to body fluids?
A
Hypertonic fluids will cause the fluids from the cell to move into the extracellular fluid, leaving the cell, because the osmolality in the extracellular fluid is higher than the cells osmolality.
19
Q
What will occur as a result of hypotonic extracellular fluid?
A
The fluid will move through the cell membranes into the cell because the osmolality is higher in the cell which will cause the cell to swell.
20
Q
What will occur as a result of hypertonic extracellular fluid?
A
The fluid in the cells will move through the cell membrane out of the cell into the extracellular fluid because the osmolality of the cell is lower than the extracellular fluid causing the cell to shrink/shrivel.
21
Q
What does isotonic mean in reference to the body?
A
Isotonic solutions in the body means that the extracellular fluid is the same osmolality as the cell. Concentration of particles in all solutions are equal and so there is no movement between fluid compartments and the cells.
Isotonic - having equal osmotic pressure.
22
Q
Is blood normally isotonic?
A
Yes, blood should normally be isotonic, meaning it is equal in tonicity to the body’s cells.
23
Q
What does active transport mean in terms of electrolytes?
A
When fluids move across cell membranes, some need energy, ATP. Active Transport needs energy to move something against the concentration gradient, like pushing something up a hill. Active transport takes something from an area of less concentration to an area of greater concentration, in this case, electrolytes.
24
Q
What is osmosis?
A
Osmosis is the passive movement of H2O across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
25
Is osmosis an active or passive process?
Osmosis is a passive process involving the movement of H2O specifically from lower to higher concentration..
26
What should be remembered about lab results reporting electrolytes?
Lab samples are blood samples so they are extracellular fluids, specifically, intravascular fluids, because of this, there will be larger quantities of electrolytes that reside in the extracellular fluids then those that reside within the cells.
Ex. Sodium - ECF - larger quantities in lab results, Potassium - ICF (Intracellular Fluid) - smaller quantities in lab results.
27
What are the 4 methods of fluid movement within the body?
The 4 methods of fluid movement within the body are:
1. Active Transport
2. Osmosis
3. Diffusion
4. Filtration
28
What is diffusion in terms of electrolytes?
Diffusion is a passive movement of electrolytes across cell membranes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Like rolling a ball down a hill. The particles are moving down the concentration gradient from an area of greater concentration to an area of lower particle concentration.
29
What serves as an ion channel for electrolytes? And when do electrolytes need them?
Electrolytes need proteins that serve as ion channels as they cross over the cell membrane.
30
What is an ion channel? What do they do?
Ion channels are specialized proteins in the plasma membrane that provide a passageway through which charged ions can cross the plasma membrane.
31
What is filtration in terms of fluids of the body?
Filtration is the net effect of 4 forces that move fluid/H2O into and out of capillaries between vascular and interstitial spaces.
32
What are the 4 components of filtration?
1. Capillary hydrostatic pressure.
2. Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure.
3. Capillary colloid osmotic pressure (AKA oncotic pressure.
4. Interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure.
33
What is Capillary hydrostatic pressure?
Capillary hydrostatic pressure is outward pushing force that helps move fluid from capillaries into the interstitial area.
34
What is interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure?
Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure is an opposing pushing force to capillary hydrostatic pressure (stronger pushing force) that pushes fluid back into capillaries.
35
Which pushing force is stronger, Capillary hydrostatic pressure or Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure?
Capillary hydrostatic pressure is stronger than Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure.
36
What is colloid osmotic pressure (AKA oncotic pressure)?
Capillary colloid osmotic pressure (AKA oncotic pressure, is an inward pulling force caused by blood proteins that move fluid from interstitial area into capillaries.
37
What is interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure?
Interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure is inward pulling that moves fluid from capillaries into interstitial area.
38
What is another name for colloid osmotic pressure?
Another name for colloid osmotic pressure is oncotic pressure.
39
How is Capillary and interstitial filtration accomplished?
Capillary and interstitial filtration is accomplished via 2 hydrostatic pressures (pushing forces) and 2 colloid osmotic pressures (pulling forces).
40
When does filtration occur?
Filtration of body fluids is always taking place to keep the body's fluids in a state of equilibrium and homeostasis. It is always trying to equalize the pressure between intracellular and interstitial space.
41
Can disease processes effect fluid filtration in the body?
Yes, disease processes can effect fluid filtration in the body by effecting the body's ability to use the 4 types of filtration pressures (capillary hydrostatic, interstitial fluid hydrostatic, capillary colloid osmotic, and interstitial fluid colloid pressures) and preventing the body from maintaining equilibrium. Ex: edema, weak heart can change osmotic pressure and increase interstitial pressure fluid volume.
42
What is RAAS? What does it do?
RAAS is the Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System. The RAAS is controlled by cells in the kidney and controls the amount of H2O and NA+ lost in urine.
43
How many processes control fluid balance?
Fluid balance is controlled by 3 processes.
44
What are the 3 processes that control fluid balance?
Fluid balance in controlled by:
1. Fluid intake and absorption (2300 mL per day).
2. Fluid distribution - the movement of fluids to wherever needed.
3. Fluid output via kidneys.
45
By what 3 fluid components do kidneys control fluid balance?
The kidneys control fluid balance in the body via:
1. Antidiuretic hormone
2. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
3. Atrial natriuretic peptide.
46
What does Antidiuretic hormone do?
Antidiuretic hormone is created in the hypothalamus and stored and released from the pituitary gland. ADH controls home much fluid we lose in our urine.
47
What does Atrial natriuretic peptide do?
Atrial natriuretic peptide is controlled by the atria in the heart. ANP controls H2O and Na+ loss in urine.
48
What are the main organ systems that effect fluid output?
The main organs systems that influence fluid output are: kidneys, skin, lungs, and G.I.
49
Who has the highest risk of dehydration?
Infants have the highest risk of dehydration because their bodies are 75% fluid.
50
What is the approximate daily absorption of fluid for an adult?
The daily absorption of fluid a day by an adult is approximately 2300mL.
51
What regulates fluid intake?
Thirst regulates fluid intake. 2300 mL/day is normal for an adult.
52
What body compartments comprise fluid distribution and balance in the body?
There are 4 different compartments that play a role in fluid distribution and they are:
1. Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
2. Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
3. Vascular Fluid (VF)
4. Interstitial Fluid (IF)
53
What hormones effect fluid balance?
Hormones that effect fluid balance are:
Antidiuretic hormone - ADH: Hypothalamus/Pituitary - fluid output
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system - RAAS: Kidneys - Na+ and fluid output
Atrial natriuretic peptides - ANP: Atria of the heart - Na+ and fluid output.
54
What are the 2 types of fluid loss?
The 2 types of fluid output are sensible and insensible loss.
55
What is sensible fluid loss?
Sensible fluid loss is easily measured as urine.
56
What is insensible fluid loss?
Insensible fluid loss is not easily measured. Ex. lungs, sweat, feces,...
57
What is an important regulator of fluid intake?
An important regulator of fluid intake is thirst.
58
How does thirst regulate fluid intake?
Thirst regulates fluid intake by urging us to drink. We get thirsty when there is a decrease in fluid and an increase osmolality in plasma.
59
Where is the thirst control mechanism located?
The thirst control mechanism is located within the hypothalamus in the brain.
60
Whose thirst response trigger is less sensitive?
An older person may have much less sensitivity to thirst and is thus a more likely candidate for dehydration.
61
How does the RAAS system work to maintain fluid balance in the body and prevent dehydration?
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is kicked off when the kidneys detect a decrease in blood pressure. When decreased blood pressure is decreased, the kidneys release Renin with secretes Angiotensin 1 then 2. Angiotensin 2 causes the secretion of Aldosterone from the Adrenal Cortex. Sodium is reabsorbed in order to retain more H2O.
62
How does atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) work to maintain fluid balance in the body and prevent dehydration?
The main purpose of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is to lower blood pressure. Cardiac atria monitor atrial pressures for an increase thereby causing nephrons to increase sodium excretion. Sodium excretion occurs to decrease water retention.
63
How is atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) triggered for release?
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is trigger by the stretching of the atria cardiac muscle. When cardiac pressure increases, the atria secrete the ANP hormone. ANP is a cardiac hormone that regulates Na+, H2O balance and blood pressure by promoting renal Na+ and H2O excretion and stimulating vasodilation.
64
What is the primary hormone responsible for tonicity and homeostasis in the body?
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) is the primary hormone responsible for tonicity and homeostasis.
65
What is tonicity, generally speaking?
Tonicity is the relative concentration of solutes dissolved in solution which determine the direction and extent of diffusion.
66
What electrolytes are more concentrated in the cells and bones than the extracellular spaces?
K+, Ca+, P+, and Mg, are all more concentrated within the cells and the bones than without.
67
What do lab values generally measure?
Lab values are generally measure from the blood.
68
Because blood is used to run lab tests on substances in the body, what electrolytes will be in greater quantity? Which will be found in lesser quantities?
Blood test results will show greater quantities of extracellular fluids and smaller quantities of intracellular fluids.
P+, K+, Ca+, Mg+ will be found in smaller quantities in the blood.
Na+ will be found in greater quantities.
69
What is the normal range for Na+?
Normal range for Na+ is 135 to 145.
70
What is the normal range for K+?
Normal range for K+ is 3.5 to 5.3.
71
What is the normal range for Ca+?
Normal range for Ca+ is 8.2 to 10.2.
72
What is the normal range for Mg+?
Normal range for Mg+ is 1.6 to 2.6.
73
What is the normal range for pH?
Normal range for pH is 7.35 to 7.45.
74
What pH indicates acidosis?
Any pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis.
75
What pH indicates alkalosis?
Any pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis.
76
What does pH measure?
pH measures the concentration of H+ ions.
77
What does increased Na+ in the blood do?
Increased Na+ will cause an increase of blood volume because H2O will be retained which will result in an increase in blood pressure.
78
What is a key role of Na+ in the body?
Na+ play a key role in nerve and muscle function. Na+ provide electrical conduction and is key in maintaining blood pressure.
79
Where is most Na+ found in the body?
Most Na+ is found in the extracellular fluids - intravascular and interstitial compartments.
80
What are the 3 main functions of Na+ in the body?
The 3 main functions of Na+ in the body are:
1. Regulating ECF volume and distribution.
2. Maintaining blood volume.
3. Transmitting nerve impulses and contracting muscles.
81
What are the 6 main function of Ca+ in the body?
The 4 main functions of Ca+ in the body are:
1. Forming bones and teeth (Almost entirely stored here).
2. Transmitting nerve impulses (helps brain send nerve messages to the body).
3. Regulating muscle contractions (aids w/muscle movement).
4. Maintaining cardiac pacemaker (SA node - regulates the current (impulses) that maintain the cardiac rhythm).
5. Blood clotting - Responsible for platelet activation and several coagulation factors.
6. Activating enzymes.
82
What is a good source of Ca+?
Milk/cheese/dairy...
83
What are the 5 main functions of K+ in the body?
The 5 main functions of K+ in the body are:
1. Maintaining Intracellular osmolality (K+ concentration within the cells).
2. Transmitting nerve and electrical impulses (helps nerves and muscles communicate, aids muscles with contraction - ****especially the heart****.
3. Regulating cardiac impulse transmission and muscle contraction - ****cardiac function equals K+****
4. Skeletal and smooth muscle function.
5. Regulating acid-base balance.
84
What is a good source of K+?
Bananas, avocados.
85
What effect will a pH imbalance have on K+?
A pH imbalance causes K+ to shift into and out of cells.
86
What is internal potassium balance?
Acid-base disturbances cause potassium to shift into and out of cells, a phenomenon called "internal potassium balance"
87
What is potassium's role in heart function?
Potassium is very important for regulating the normal electrical activity of the heart. A shift in potassium balance will adversely affect the heart.
88
What does magnesium do in the body? (8 functions)
Magnesium:
1. Metabolism - plays a large role in protein synthesis.
2. Sodium-potassium pump -
3. Relaxes muscle contractions - aids in muscle movement.
4. Transmits nerve impulses - aids in nerve function.
5. Regulates heart function - blood pressure regulation.
6. Helps Na+/K+ pump function correctly.
7. Aids in energy (ATP) production - ATP activation increases with magnesium increase.
8. Magnesium helps to control blood glucose.
89
What are three key points relating to fluid balance in the body?
Three key points relating to fluid balance in the body are:
1. Water moves freely from one fluid compartment to another to ensure equal osmolality in the ECF and ICF spaces.
2. A change in the osmolality of one fluid compartment always alters the osmolality of the other compartments until they are equal.
90
How do you calculate the osmolality of solutes in fluid?
To measure osmolality of concentrate in a fluid, calculate the concentration of solutes per unit of water.
91
What are the critical components of fluid balance/imbalance?
The critical components in fluid balance/imbalance are:
1. Volume - the amount of fluid.
2. Osmolality - the amount of solute/particles.
92
What does hypertonic mean?
Hypertonic means that a solution that contains more dissolved particles (such as salt and other electrolytes) than is found in normal cells and blood.
Hypertonic = H2O deficit.
93
What does hypotonic mean?
Hypotonic is H2O excess.
94
Is hypertonic a water deficit?
Yes, hypertonic is a H2O deficit.
95
What is the definition of clinical dehydration?
Clinical dehydration is a shortage of extra cellular fluid volume and an excessive amount of Na+.
96
What is fluid volume deficit?
Fluid volume deficit is an isotonic loss (equal loss of solutes and fluid).
97
What does a fluid volume deficit mean in terms of body fluids?
A body fluid volume deficit means an equal loss of Na+, Cl+, CHO3, and H2O in interstitial or vascular volume.
There is not enough isotonic fluid in the extra cellular spaces (interstitial/vascular).
98
What are symptoms of an extra cellular fluid volume deficit?
Symptoms of an extra cellular fluid volume deficit could include: weight loss, thirst, orthostatic BP changes, weak/rapid pulse (either), decreased urine output, more concentrated urine, poor skin turgor, decreased capillary refill, slow filling peripheral veins, high BUN lab results, dry mucous membranes, high hematocrit lab results.
99
What happens to red blood cells as extracellular fluid volume drops?
When extracellular fluid volume drops, red blood cells per volume increases.
100
What is considered isotonic fluid volume excess?
Isotonic fluid volume excess is an equal increase of molality and fluid volume.
101
What solutes are found in extracellular fluid? (Name 3)
Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate. H2O is also found in ECF.
102
Fluid Volume Excess is?
Fluid volume excess is an equal increase of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, and H2O in the interstitial and vascular volume (Extracellular Fluid).
103
What causes excess fluid volume?
Excess fluid volume can be caused by: Na+ IV fluids, salty foods (H2O retention), or impaired fluid balance regulation such as Congestive Heart Failure or Renal Failure.
104
What are the S/S of Fluid Volume Excess?
S/S of fluid volume excess include: weight gain, increased blood pressure, bounding pulse, fullness of neck veins, possible increased urine output, pulmonary edema (dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles), decreased BUN and hematocrit.
105
How do you manage the treatment of fluid volume excess?
Management of fluid volume excess could include: restriction of sodium, restriction of water, administration of diuretics.
106
How do you treat fluid volume deficits?
Treatment of fluid volume deficits could include: oral or IV isotonic fluid replacement.
107
What causes hyperosmolarity/hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia/Hyperosmolality can be caused by:
1. An unequal loss of H2O relative to solutes or unequal gain of solutes relative to H2O.
2. A decrease in H2O intake (NPO) or H2O loss (diuresis).
3. An excess intake of solute (IV fluids).
108
What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperosmolality/Hypernatremia?
The S/S of hyperosmolality/hypernatremia are: increased serum Na+ level, confusion, agitation, convulsions, coma, decreased urine output, increased urine concentration, thirst, dry mucous membranes, and death.
109
How is hyperosmolality/hypernatremia managed medically?
Hyperosmolality/hypernatremia is treated by giving H2O orally or via IV (D5W).
110
What precautions must be taken when treating hyperosmolality/hypernatremia?
Precautions that must be taken when treating hyperosmolality/hypernatremia are to be aware that excessive correction may lead to seizure, brain damage, and death.
111
What is the medical definition of clinical dehydration?
Hypernatremia with ECV deficit.
112
What is D5W?
D5W is short for IV prescription: Dextrose 5% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride.
Dextrose 5 in .9 Sodium Chloride belongs to a class of drugs called Glucose-Elevating Agents.
113
What is the tonicity of D5W?
D5W - Dextrose 5% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride - is an isotonic fluid when it enters the body, however, the dextrose is quickly absorbed by the cells, leaving the normal saline behind in the extracellular fluid and it is then a hypotonic fluid.
114
What is hypoosmolality/hyponatremia?
Hypoosmolality/hyponatremia is an excess of H2O in the extracellular fluid.
115
What cause hypoosmolality/hyponatremia?
Hypoosmolality/hyponatremia is a result of:
1. Unequal gain of H2O relative to solutes or unequal loss of solutes relative to H2O.
2. An increase in H2O intake (water intoxication).
3. An abnormal secretion of ADH.
4. A decreased urinary output of H2O.
116
What are the S/S of hypoosmolality/hyponatremia?
The S/S of hypoosmolality/hyponatremia are: decreased serum sodium, lethargy, irritability, confusion, personality changes, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, cramps, seizures, coma, and death.
117
How is hypoosmolality/hyponatremia treated?
Hypoosmolality/hyponatremia is treated by treating the cause of the imbalance, along with hypertonic 3% saline, and diuretics to correct the imbalance.
118
What are the precautions of treating hypoosmolality/hyponatremia?
Precautions for the treatment of hypoosmolality/hyponatremia are that excessive correction has been associated with seizure, brain damage, and death.
119
What is negatively effected by either a shortage of or an excess of Na+?
A shortage or excess of Na+ will cause neural problems/CNS issues such as confusion. Too little, neurons less responsive. Too much, neurons firing too much.
120
What is ADH? Where does it come from? What does it do?
ADH is antidiuretic hormone.
ADH is made by the hypothalamus and is stored in the pituitary gland.
ADH regulates the balance of H2O in the blood via the kidneys and helps control blood pressure.
121
What is considered Hypernatremia in lab results?
Na+ normal range is 135 to145 mEq/L.
Hypernatremia is Na+ > 145mEq/L.
122
What are some possible cause of hypernatremia?
Possible causes of hypernatremia include: diarrhea, decreased water, excess intake of sodium, decreased thirst mechanism in the elderly.
123
What are some S/S of hypernatremia?
Some possible S/S of hypernatremia include: confusion, agitation, convulsions, coma.
Neurological related signs and symptoms result due to hyperactive neurons activation by the excess Na+.
124
What is consider hyponatremia in lab results?
Normal range for Na+ is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
| Hyponatremia is Na+ below 135 mEq/L.
125
What are the possible causes of hyponatremia?
Possible causes of hyponatremia include: diarrhea, excess H2O intake, sweating, reduced Na+ intake.
126
What are some possible S/S of hyponatremia?
Some possible S/S of hyponatremia include: Decreased level of consciousness (LOC), Seizures, muscle cramping.
Neural issues result when Na+ levels are inadequate to provide sufficient neural conduction.
127
What is decreased LOC? And what are the some possible signs LOC?
LOC is Level Of Consciousness. Decreased level of consciousness (LOC) S/S could be: confusion, lethargy, and coma.
128
Where do you find K+ in the body and what does it do?
K+ (Potassium) is mostly found in the intracellular space. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
129
What are common causes of hypokalemia?
Common causes of hypokalemia are decreased intake of potassium, a increase of the amount of K+ that moves into the cells from the intravascular system, or decreased absorption, or increased output of K+.
Increased output could be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or potassium wasting diuretics.
130
What is the greatest risk of hypokalemia?
The greatest risk of hypokalemia is the greater risk for cardiac dysrhythmias.
131
What are some S/S of hypokalemia?
S/S of hypokalemia are muscle weakness, decrease in bowel sounds, and possible constipation.
132
What are great sources of K+?
Bananas and avocados are great sources of K+.
133
What is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is and increase of K+ in the blood.
134
What can cause hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia can be caused by Increased K+ intake, increased absorption of K+, K+ moves from the cells into the blood, or output of K+ is decreased.
Decreased output of K+ is often due to kidney issues.
135
What is the number one S/S of hyperkalemia? What are other S/S?
The number one S/S of hyperkalemia is cardiac dysrhythmias.
Other S/S of hyperkalemia are muscle weakness, high potassium levels can lead to heart attack (cardiac arrest), diarrhea, abdominal cramping.
136
Is the level of K+ important?
The proper levels of K+ in the body is critical. High or low kalemia is extremely serious.
137
What is the common treatment for hyperkalemia?
A common treatment for hyperkalemia is potassium wasting diuretics.
138
Where is calcium, C+, stored in the body? What are the functions of calcium in the body?
Calcium, C+, is stored in the bones and teeth and regulate muscle movement, messaging within the body, and blood clotting.
139
What is hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is a lower amount of calcium in the blood.
140
What are the possible causes of hypocalcemia?
Possible causes of hypocalcemia are: decreased absorption, Vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, diarrhea, women's hormonal changes.
141
What is a critical problem that can occur as a result of hypocalcemia?
A critical problem that can occur with hypocalcemia is tingling/pins and needles in fingers, toes, and around the mouth.
142
What is chvostek's sign?
Chvostek's sign is a reflexive test a clinician can perform to see if a patient is experiencing the effects of hypocalcemia.
The clinician provokes the muscles by lightly tapping over the facial nerve anterior to the ear causing a reflexive contracting of the facial muscles.
143
What are possible S/S of hypocalcemia besides pins and needles/tingling?
Possible S/S of hypocalcemia are hyper reflexes, twitching, and seizures.
144
What is the treatment for hypocalcemia?
Treatment for hypocalcemia should includes calcium, C+, supplements, and additional calcium added to the diet.
145
What are excellent sources of dietary calcium?
Excellent dietary sources of calcium includes: milk, cheese, dairy products, generally.
146
What is hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood stream, intravascular compartment.
147
What causes hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is caused by too much calcium being taken in and absorbed and/or a decrease in output.
148
What patients are more likely to experience hypercalcemia? Why is this the case?
High calcium levels, hypercalcemia, is often found in patients who are immobile.
This occurs when calcium seeps out of the bones and into the bloodstream. When labs are run, the test the blood, so the the calcium in the blood will be found to be much higher than normal.
149
What are the S/S of hypercalcemia?
S/S of hypercalcemia are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of reflexes, decrease in LOC (Level Of Consciousness), confusion.
In very severe cases: coma and cardiac arrest.
150
What is the treatment for hypercalcemia?
The treatment for hypercalcemia is the introduction of IV fluids and other medications.
151
What is the normal range of Calcium?
The normal range of calcium is 8.2 to 10.2.
152
What are the lab results for hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is consider to be anything higher than 10.2.
153
What the lab results for hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is consider to be anything lower than 8.2.
154
What is normal range for K+?
Normal range of K+ is 3.5 to 5.3.
155
What is the lab result range is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia lab results are anything over 5.3.
156
What is the lab result range for hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia lab results are anything lower than 3.5.
157
What is the normal range for magnesium, Mg+?
The normal range for Mg+ is 1.6 to 2.6.
158
What is the range for hypermagnesemia?
The range for hypermagnesemia is anything above 2.6.
159
What is the range for hypomagnesemia?
The range for hypomagnesemia is anything below 1.6.
160
What is magnesium's function in the body?
Magnesium helps regulate our muscle function especially our cardiac muscles. It also helps regulate blood sugar level and blood pressure.
161
Who is likely to take magnesium?
Cardiac patients are often on magnesium.
162
What is hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia is a below normal amount of magnesium. Anything below 1.6 would be considered hypomagnesemia.
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What causes hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia can be caused by a decrease of intake and/or absorption of magnesium. Common causes include: malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, chronic diarrhea, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, vomiting, increased drainage.
164
What are S/S of hypomagnesemia?
S/S of hypomagnesemia include: positive chovstek sign, hyperactive reflexes, muscle twitching, trouble swallowing, cramps, trouble sleeping, dysrhythmias, increased blood pressure, possible seizures.
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What are possible causes of hypermagnesemia?
Possible causes of hypermagnesemia include: IV overload, magnesium laxatives, kidney disease.
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What are the S/S of hypermagnesemia?
S/S of hypermagnesemia is lethargy, tiredness, hypoactive reflexes, bradycardia, decreased blood pressure, decrease in respiration in severe cases, and even death, serious dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
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How is hypermagnesemia treated?
Hypermagnesemia is treated with diuretics or IV therapy.
