Unit 1: Electrolyte Imbalances

Question 1

Sodium Function

Answer 1

Regulates water balance (osmosis), nerve impulses, acid-base balance, and is involved in many chemical reactions.

Question 2

Hyponatremia Causes

Answer 2

Loss of sodium (vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics) or dilution from excess water intake.

Question 3

Hyponatremia Symptoms

Answer 3

Fatigue, weakness, confusion, seizures, hypotension.

Question 4

Hyponatremia Treatment

Answer 4

Normal saline infusion, hypertonic saline for severe cases. Avoid rapid correction to prevent brain damage.

Question 5

Hypernatremia Causes

Answer 5

Too much sodium intake or too much water loss.

Question 6

Hypernatremia Symptoms

Answer 6

Thirst, agitation, confusion, twitching, seizures.

Question 7

Hypernatremia Treatment

Answer 7

Free water (D5W), NG or IV route.

Question 8

Potassium Function

Answer 8

Maintains intracellular fluid balance, nerve impulse conduction, and glycogen storage.

Question 9

Hypokalemia Causes

Answer 9

Diarrhea, diuretics, insulin, poor intake, Cushing’s.

Question 10

Hypokalemia Symptoms

Answer 10

Leg cramps, muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmia, shallow respirations, nausea.

Question 11

Hypokalemia Treatment

Answer 11

Potassium replacement (oral or IV) — IV must be slow to avoid cardiac arrest.

Question 12

Hyperkalemia Causes

Answer 12

Renal failure, K-sparing diuretics, acidosis, trauma, burns.

Question 13

Hyperkalemia Symptoms

Answer 13

Dysrhythmia, muscle weakness/paralysis, paresthesia, diarrhea.

Question 14

Hyperkalemia Treatment

Answer 14

Shift K+ into cells (IV insulin + D50, bicarbonate), increase excretion (diuretics, kayexalate, dialysis).

Question 15

Calcium Function

Answer 15

Bone strength, muscle contraction, blood clotting, hormone release.

Question 16

Hypocalcemia Causes

Answer 16

Low vitamin D, low PTH, poor nutrition, bone deposition.

Question 17

Hypocalcemia Symptoms

Answer 17

Tetany, cramps, hyperactive reflexes, seizures, ECG changes.

Question 18

Hypocalcemia Treatment

Answer 18

Oral or IV calcium replacement.

Question 19

Hypercalcemia Causes

Answer 19

Bone cancer, fractures, immobility, high calcium intake.

Question 20

Hypercalcemia Symptoms

Answer 20

Constipation, lethargy, decreased reflexes, bone pain, kidney stones.

Question 21

Hypercalcemia Treatment

Answer 21

Fluids, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, dialysis.

Question 22

Magnesium Function

Answer 22

Neuromuscular function and enzyme activity.

Question 23

Hypomagnesemia Causes

Answer 23

Malnutrition, alcoholism, diuretics, kidney loss.

Question 24

Hypomagnesemia Symptoms

Answer 24

Hyperreflexia, cramps, seizures, ECG changes.

Question 25

Hypomagnesemia Treatment

Answer 25

Magnesium replacement orally or IV.

Question 26

Hypermagnesemia Causes

Answer 26

Renal failure, excess antacids.

Question 27

Hypermagnesemia Symptoms

Answer 27

Fatigue, low reflexes, dysrhythmias, lethargy.

Question 28

Hypermagnesemia Treatment

Answer 28

Fluids, diuretics, dialysis.

Question 29

Phosphate Function

Answer 29

ATP production and acid-base buffer system.

Question 30

Hypophosphatemia Causes

Answer 30

Low vitamin D, poor intake, hyperparathyroidism.

Question 31

Hypophosphatemia Symptoms

Answer 31

Fatigue, weakness, respiratory failure, coma.

Question 32

Hypophosphatemia Treatment

Answer 32

Oral or IV phosphate replacement.

Question 33

Hyperphosphatemia Causes

Answer 33

Renal failure, phosphate laxatives, hypoparathyroidism.

Question 34

Hyperphosphatemia Symptoms

Answer 34

Tetany, cramps, convulsions, ECG changes.

Question 35

Hyperphosphatemia Treatment

Answer 35

Calcium acetate, dialysis.

Question 36

Chloride Function

Answer 36

Maintains acid-base balance and follows sodium.

Question 37

Hypochloremia Causes

Answer 37

Vomiting, diarrhea, alkalosis, dehydration.

Question 38

Hypochloremia Symptoms

Answer 38

Similar to hyponatremia — fatigue, confusion, seizures.

Question 39

Hypochloremia Treatment

Answer 39

Saline infusion.

Question 40

Hyperchloremia Causes

Answer 40

Acidosis, high salt intake.

Question 41

Hyperchloremia Symptoms

Answer 41

Similar to hypernatremia — agitation, thirst, seizures.

Question 42

Hyperchloremia Treatment

Answer 42

Same as hypernatremia — free water, D5W.

Question 43

Protein Function

Answer 43

Maintains oncotic pressure, needed for healing, immunity, RBC production.

Question 44

Hypoproteinemia Symptoms

Answer 44

Edema, slow healing, fatigue, anemia.

Question 45

Hypoproteinemia Treatment

Answer 45

High protein, high carb diet, supplements.

Question 46

Hyperproteinemia Causes

Answer 46

Rare, usually due to dehydration (falsely elevated).