14 Questions
What is the function of Potassium ($K^+$)?
Regulates heart and muscle function
What are the manifestations of Hypokalemia (K+ below 3.5)?
Flat T wave, ST depression, shallow respiration
What are the causes of Hypokalemia?
Fluid loss, diarrhea, diuretics
What is the critical level for Hyperkalemia (K+)?
Over 5
What are the manifestations of Hyperkalemia?
High Pumps, Peaked T wave, St Elevation, Severe Ventricular Fibrillation, Cardiac arrest, Hypotension, Bradycardia
What is the function of Sodium ($Na$)?
Swells the body with fluid, maintains blood pressure, blood volume, and pH balance
What are the manifestations of Hyponatremia?
Low and slow brain function, fatigue, muscle cramps, low and slow respiratory function
What is the function of Chloride ($Cl$)?
Maintains blood pressure, blood volume, and pH balance
What are the manifestations of Hypomagnesemia?
Low mellow heart function, low mellow DTR, depressed respirations, hypoactive bowel sounds
What is the function of Calcium ($Ca$)?
Keeps the bones strong, aids in blood clotting, and contracts the muscle
What are the manifestations of Hypocalcemia?
Trousseau's sign, muscle spasms, diarrhea, weak bones
What are the manifestations of Hypercalcemia?
Kidney stones, constipation, bone pain, severe muscle weakness, lethargy
What are the manifestations of Hyperphosphatemia?
Think low calcium, Trousseau's sign, tetany, weak bones
What are the manifestations of Hypophosphatemia?
Think high calcium signs, kidney stones, constipation, severe muscle weakness, lethargy
Study Notes
Potassium (K+)
- Helps regulate heart rhythm and muscle contractions
- Crucial for nerve function and muscle contractions
Hypokalemia (K+ below 3.5)
- Manifestations:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Palpitations
- Causes:
- Diuretic use
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Certain medications
- Hormonal imbalances
Hyperkalemia (K+ above 5.5)
- Critical level: above 6.5 mmol/L
- Manifestations:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Palpitations
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Tingling sensations
Sodium (Na+)
- Helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure
- Crucial for nerve function
Hyponatremia (Na+ below 135)
- Manifestations:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Chloride (Cl-)
- Helps maintain fluid balance and pH balance
- Crucial for maintaining blood pressure
Magnesium (Mg2+)
- Helps regulate muscle and nerve function
- Crucial for bone health and energy production
Hypomagnesemia (Mg2+ below 0.7)
- Manifestations:
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Calcium (Ca2+)
- Crucial for bone health and muscle function
- Helps regulate heart rhythm
Hypocalcemia (Ca2+ below 2.2)
- Manifestations:
- Muscle cramps
- Twitching
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
Hypercalcemia (Ca2+ above 2.6)
- Manifestations:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Phosphorus (PO42-)
- Crucial for energy production and bone health
Hyperphosphatemia (PO42- above 4.5)
- Manifestations:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Hypophosphatemia (PO42- below 2.5)
- Manifestations:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Test your knowledge of acid-base balance with this quiz. Practice identifying different types of imbalances based on pH, Paco2, and Hco3 levels. Sharpen your skills in recognizing metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and more.
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