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Questions and Answers
A patient presents with confusion, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure. Serum sodium levels are likely:
A patient presents with confusion, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure. Serum sodium levels are likely:
- Elevated, indicating hypernatremia.
- Decreased, indicating hyponatremia. (correct)
- Unchanged, as these are unrelated symptoms.
- Within normal limits.
Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient experiencing hypernatremia?
Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient experiencing hypernatremia?
- Administering a spoonful of salt.
- Administering a low sodium diet. (correct)
- Administering Ringer's Lactate.
- Encouraging fluid restriction.
A patient with a history of alcoholism is admitted. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely, given their history?
A patient with a history of alcoholism is admitted. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely, given their history?
- Hypernatremia.
- Hyperkalemia.
- Hypokalemia. (correct)
- Hypercalcemia.
What is the rationale for administering insulin and glucose to treat hyperkalemia?
What is the rationale for administering insulin and glucose to treat hyperkalemia?
Which of the following assessment findings would you expect in a patient with hypercalcemia?
Which of the following assessment findings would you expect in a patient with hypercalcemia?
A patient is on diuretics. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A patient is on diuretics. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
What would be the priority intervention for a patient presenting with dysrhythmias related to hyperkalemia?
What would be the priority intervention for a patient presenting with dysrhythmias related to hyperkalemia?
A patient with renal failure is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A patient with renal failure is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A patient is receiving multiple blood transfusions. Which electrolyte imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
A patient is receiving multiple blood transfusions. Which electrolyte imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
What is the significance of Chvostek's sign?
What is the significance of Chvostek's sign?
Which of the following could result from excessive water intake?
Which of the following could result from excessive water intake?
A patient with prolonged acidosis is most likely to develop?
A patient with prolonged acidosis is most likely to develop?
A patient experiencing shallow respirations, lethargy, and paresthesia should be assessed for:
A patient experiencing shallow respirations, lethargy, and paresthesia should be assessed for:
Which condition contributes to hypercalcemia by causing demineralization of bone?
Which condition contributes to hypercalcemia by causing demineralization of bone?
A patient is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which food should the nurse encourage them to consume?
A patient is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which food should the nurse encourage them to consume?
Which of the following causes hyponatremia due to the retention of water?
Which of the following causes hyponatremia due to the retention of water?
In a patient with hyperkalemia, impaired neuromuscular function is a concern. What assessment finding correlates most closely with this?
In a patient with hyperkalemia, impaired neuromuscular function is a concern. What assessment finding correlates most closely with this?
Which electrolyte imbalance is characterized by agitation, dry gums, and increased thirst?
Which electrolyte imbalance is characterized by agitation, dry gums, and increased thirst?
A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which nursing intervention is most important?
A patient is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which nursing intervention is most important?
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for developing hypernatremia?
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for developing hypernatremia?
Flashcards
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia
Sodium level less than 135 mEq/L, which can be caused by excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, or too much water intake.
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia
Sodium level more than 145 mEq/L caused by insufficient ADH, loss of thirst mechanism, or ingestion of too much salt without enough water.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia
Potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L, which may be due to diarrhea, diuretics, or excessive aldosterone.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia
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Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia
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Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia
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Lack of ADH
Lack of ADH
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Hypotension
Hypotension
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Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias
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Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Symptoms of Hyponatremia
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Symptoms of Hypernatremia
Symptoms of Hypernatremia
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Symptoms of Hypokalemia
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
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Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
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Symptoms of Hypocalcemia
Symptoms of Hypocalcemia
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Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
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Study Notes
Sodium Imbalances
- Hyponatremia is defined as a sodium level less than 135.
- Hypernatremia is defined as a sodium level more than 145.
Hyponatremia Causes
- Excessive sweating can cause hyponatremia
- Diarrhea can cause hyponatremia
- Vomiting can cause hyponatremia
- Diuretics can cause hyponatremia
- Decreased dietary intake can cause hyponatremia
- Too much water intake can cause hyponatremia
- Too much ADH can cause hyponatremia
- Too little Aldosterone can cause hyponatremia
Hyponatremia Symptoms
- Fatigue is a symptom of hyponatremia
- Muscle cramps are a symptom of hyponatremia
- Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of hyponatremia
- Cerebral Edema is a symptom of hyponatremia
- Confusion is a symptom of hyponatremia
- Headache is a symptom of hyponatremia
- Weakness is a symptom of hyponatremia
- Low BP is a symptom of hyponatremia
Hyponatremia Interventions
- Provide a spoonful of salt
- Restrict fluids
- Administer ringer lactate
Hypernatremia Causes
- Insufficient ADH can cause hypernatremia.
- Loss of thirst mechanism can cause hypernatremia.
- Water diarrhea can cause hypernatremia.
- Prolonged periods of rapid respiration can cause hypernatremia.
- Ingestion of too much salt with not enough water can cause hypernatremia.
Hypernatremia Symptoms
- Weakness is a symptom of hypernatremia
- Agitation is a symptom of hypernatremia
- Dry gums are a symptom of hypernatremia
- Edema is a symptom of hypernatremia
- Increased thirst is a symptom of hypernatremia
- Increase in BP is a symptom of hypernatremia
- Low urine output is a symptom of hypernatremia
Hypernatremia Interventions
- Encourage fluids
- Provide a low sodium diet
Potassium Imbalances
- Hypokalemia is defined as a potassium level less than 3.5.
- Hyperkalemia is defined as a potassium level more than 5.
Hypokalemia Causes
- Diarrhea can cause hypokalemia
- Diuretics can cause hypokalemia
- Too much Aldosterone can cause hypokalemia
- Too many Glucocorticoids can cause hypokalemia
- Decreased dietary intake can cause hypokalemia
- Alcoholism can cause hypokalemia
- Eating disorder and starvation can cause hypokalemia
- Insulin can cause hypokalemia
Hypokalemia Symptoms
- Dysrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest are a symptom of hypokalemia
- Interference with neuromuscular function is a symptom of hypokalemia
- Increased HR is a symptom of hypokalemia
- Increased urine output (not concentrated) is a symptom of hypokalemia
- Shallow respirations is a symptom of hypokalemia
- Lethargy is a symptom of hypokalemia
- Paresthesia is a symptom of hypokalemia
Hypokalemia Interventions
- Eats more bananas
- Electrolytes replacements
- Control hyperglycemia
Hyperkalemia Causes
- Renal failure can cause hyperkalemia
- Too little Aldosterone can cause hyperkalemia
- Burns can cause hyperkalemia
- Prolonged acidosis can cause hyperkalemia
- Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia Symptoms
- Low HR is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Low urine output is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Nausea is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Diarrhea is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Muscle weakness progressing to paralysis is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Respiratory arrest is a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Dysrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest are a symptom of hyperkalemia
- Impaired neuromuscular functions are a symptom of hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia Interventions
- Eat less bananas
- Insulin and glucose
- Diuretics as needed
- Monitoring intake and output
- Monitor serum potassium levels
Calcium Imbalances
- Hypocalcemia is defined as a calcium level less than 4.
- Hypercalcemia is defined as a calcium level more than 5.
Hypocalcemia Causes
- Low PTH can cause hypocalcemia
- Low intake can cause hypocalcemia
- Malabsorption can cause hypocalcemia
- Multiple blood transfusions can cause hypocalcemia
- Low vitamin D can cause hypocalcemia
- Increased serum pH level can cause hypocalcemia
- Low serum Albumin can cause hypocalcemia
- Renal failure can cause hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia Symptoms
- Chvostek sign is a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Trousseau’s sign is a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Weak heart contractions are a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Laryngeal spasms are a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Numbness in limbs and mouth are a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Delayed conduction is a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Dysrhythmia is a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Low BP is a symptom of hypocalcemia
- Tetany is a symptom of hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia Interventions
- Prevent hyperventilation
- Provide Oral/IV supplements
Hypercalcemia Causes
- Uncontrolled release of calcium ions form bones can cause hypercalcemia
- Hyperparathyroidism can cause hypercalcemia
- Demineralization cause by immobility can cause hypercalcemia
- Increased calcium intake can cause hypercalcemia
- Low vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia
- Mink-alkali syndrome can cause hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia Symptoms
- Muscle weakness is a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Lethargy is a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Personality changes are a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Anorexia is a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Decreased renal function is a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Dysrhythmia is a symptom of hypercalcemia
- Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of hypercalcemia
- Kidney stones are a symptom of hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia Interventions
- IV fluids
- Stop drugs that contain calcium such as ringer lactate
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