Electrolyte Imbalances and Their Symptoms

Digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms (A-Fib) and heart failure (CHF), has a therapeutic range of 1 to 2. Levels above 2 are considered toxic.

Aminophylline, a muscle relaxer used to open the airways, has a therapeutic range of 10 to 20. Levels above 20 are considered toxic.

Bilirubin, a breakdown product of red blood cells, normally has a level of 0.2 to 1.2 in adults. In newborns, levels are higher, with toxicity occurring above 20.

Jaundice, the yellowing of skin and sclera, is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood.

Kernicterus, a serious condition occurring when bilirubin levels exceed 20 in the newborn, can cause brain damage and even death. Symptoms include hyperextension of the body (Opisthotonos).

Opisthotonos is a medical emergency in newborns. It's characterized by a hyperextended posture caused by irritation of the meninges, often due to Kernicterus.

Pathological jaundice is present at birth and indicates underlying medical issues, while physiological jaundice appears 2-3 days after birth and is normal.

Dumping syndrome and hiatal hernia are both disorders affecting gastric emptying, but they are opposites. Dumping syndrome involves rapid emptying, while hiatal hernia involves backward flow.

A condition where the stomach empties its contents too quickly into the duodenum, causing a range of symptoms like feeling drunk, going into shock, and acute abdominal distress.

A condition where the stomach empties too quickly, often associated with high-atal hernia. Symptoms include feeling drunk, going into shock, and acute abdominal distress.

Decreasing the amount of carbohydrates in a meal helps to slow down gastric emptying, reducing the risk of dumping syndrome.

Increasing the amount of protein in a meal helps to slow down gastric emptying, reducing the risk of dumping syndrome.

Reducing fluid intake before and after meals can help regulate gastric emptying.

Potassium levels in the blood are high.

Potassium levels in the blood are low.

Calcium levels in the blood are high.

Calcium levels in the blood are low.

Sodium levels in the blood are low.

Sodium levels in the blood are high.

Magnesium levels in the blood are low.

Magnesium levels in the blood are high.

A condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination, leading to dehydration and high sodium levels.

A condition where the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing the body to retain water, leading to low sodium levels.

A type of hyperglycemia where the body doesn't produce enough insulin, but still produces some, resulting in high blood sugar and dehydration.

A sign of electrolyte imbalance, characterized by numbness and tingling, especially around the lips.

A sign of electrolyte imbalance, characterized by weakness or paralysis.

A life-threatening condition characterized by muscle spasms, especially in the hands and feet, due to low calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to airway obstruction through irreversible spasm.

A severe, life-threatening condition characterized by high fever, rapid heart rate, agitation, and confusion. It can occur in patients with hyperthyroidism who undergo surgery.

A state of decreased metabolic activity due to insufficient thyroid hormone production. It leads to a range of symptoms like weight gain, slow heart rate, cold intolerance, and mental sluggishness.

A severe form of hypothyroidism characterized by swelling of the skin and underlying tissues due to fluid retention.

A life-threatening condition that occurs when hypothyroidism becomes severe, leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, and slowed organ function.

A hormone used to treat hypothyroidism and replace the thyroid hormones that the body is not producing.

A condition characterized by an underproduction of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. It can trigger severe electrolyte imbalances and make patients vulnerable to stress.

The body's normal response to stress, involves a rise in blood pressure and glucose levels to ensure adequate oxygen and energy supply to the brain and other organs.

A lab value that indicates kidney function. A level of 0.6 to 1.2 is considered normal. If a patient is undergoing a procedure involving dye, such as a catheterization, it becomes a Level B lab value.

A lab value that monitors the effectiveness of the anticoagulant medication Coumadin. A normal range is between 2 and 3. A level of 4 or above is considered critical and requires immediate action.

A lab value that measures the amount of potassium in the blood. A normal range is between 3.5 and 5.3. Low potassium requires monitoring heart function and potential potassium supplementation. High potassium, especially over 6, is a critical situation and requires immediate intervention.

A system used to prioritize patients based on their lab values. Values are categorized into four levels: A, B, C, and D, with D being the highest priority.

The first set of assessments that a registered nurse (RN) should perform when a patient's lab results fall into Level C or D categories. This includes vital signs, auscultation of the lungs and heart, and an abdominal exam.

A critical lab value that requires immediate action due to potential internal bleeding. Holding Coumadin, assessing for bleeding, preparing to administer vitamin K, and contacting the healthcare provider are essential steps.

A critical lab value that indicates a potential electrolyte imbalance. Immediate action is required, including holding potassium, assessing heart function (EKG), and preparing to administer insulin and Kayexalate.

A critical lab value that requires immediate action due to potential heart rhythm abnormalities. Holding potassium, assessing heart function (EKG), and preparing to administer insulin and Kayexalate are essential steps.