52 Questions
What is the most consistent symptom of both hypernatremia and hyponatremia?
Confusion
Which electrolyte imbalance is usually just the result of a water deficit?
Hypernatremia
What stimulates an increase in thirst in response to an increase in plasma osmolality?
ADH release
How is hypernatremia usually corrected in symptomatic and severe cases?
IV 5% dextrose in water
What is the main factor determining the duration of treatment for hypernatremia?
Underlying cause
Which gland is primarily responsible for regulating sodium balance and osmolality?
Hypothalamus
What symptom is indicative of mild hyperkalemia?
Peaked T-waves on ECG
What electrolyte abnormality can be exacerbated by thiazide diuretics?
Hypokalemia
What effect does loop diuretics given with calcium supplementation have on milk-alkali syndrome?
Increase the risk
What intracellular change occurs in CNS neurons due to stepwise acute increases in sodium concentration?
Increase in action potential threshold
Which electrolyte disturbance has the potential for sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias?
Hyperkalemia
What is the most effective means of correcting diuretic-induced hypokalemia?
Taking potassium chloride pills
Which ECG change is often seen in patients with hyperkalemia before ventricular arrhythmias?
Peaked T-waves
What effect does high calcium administration have on ECG rhythm?
Sino-atrial block
What is the range for severe hyperkalemia levels?
>6.5 mEq/L
What is one potential effect of intravenous calcium administration?
Atrial tachyarrhythmias
Which neurological manifestation is commonly seen in patients with severe acute hypocalcemia?
Tetany
What is a potential cardiac consequence of prolonged QT interval in severe hypocalcemia?
Ventricular arrhythmias
Which condition may patients with chronic hypocalcemia develop due to the deposition of calcium in the crystalline lens?
Cataracts
What is a common renal manifestation of hypercalcemia?
Polyuria
Which of the following medications is NOT commonly associated with hypercalcemia?
Antibiotics
What physiological process is primarily responsible for maintaining serum calcium levels within a narrow range?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
What can be a neurological symptom in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to compression of adjacent structures by hypertrophied parathyroid glands?
Weakness
What are some gastrointestinal symptoms commonly associated with hypercalcemia?
Nausea
What ECG finding can be observed in patients with hypomagnesemia?
ST-segment depression
How does chronic hypercalcemia contribute to the development of hypertension?
Vasoconstriction of blood vessels
What is the primary approach to managing hyperphosphatemia?
Treatment of underlying disorders and improvement of dialysis
Which type of phosphate binder is more likely to contribute to a positive calcium balance?
Calcium-based phosphate binders
Why is dietary phosphate restriction not a sufficient treatment for hyperphosphatemia?
All of the above
What is a significant disadvantage of non-calcium based phosphate binders?
They are expensive
Which of the following interventions is most useful for patients with chronic kidney disease?
Reduction of dialysis intervals
What is a potential complication of using calcium-based phosphate binders?
Metastatic calcification
What is the primary cause of the neurologic symptoms of hyponatremia?
Cerebral edema
What is the typical mechanism by which hyponatremia causes cerebral edema?
Movement of water into brain cells
What is the primary cause of hypernatremia in hospitalized patients?
Administration of sodium-containing fluids without adequate free water intake
What is the primary mechanism that limits the intake of solute and water in healthy humans, preventing hypernatremia?
Nausea and anorexia
What is the most common cause of hyponatremia in neurosurgery patients?
Cerebral salt wasting
What is the primary cause of the symptoms in hyponatremia?
Accompanying water load
What is the typical clinical manifestation of acute hyponatremia?
Severe symptoms
What is the primary cause of water retention in hyponatremia?
Increased ADH levels
What is the primary cause of free water loss in hypernatremia?
All of the above
What is the maximum rate at which hypernatremia can develop without causing serious neurological symptoms?
Unknown and uncertain
Which medical condition can be exacerbated by high serum magnesium levels?
Myasthenia gravis
What is the main mechanism of action of magnesium in the body?
Catalyzing intracellular enzyme systems
Which electrolyte imbalance often occurs alongside hypophosphatemia?
Hypokalemia
Which disease state is most commonly associated with hyperphosphatemia?
Chronic kidney disease
Which symptom is most commonly associated with hypophosphatemia?
Paresthesias or confusion
Which medication can cause an increased loading dose of magnesium?
Magnesium sulfate paste
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with bradyarrhythmias?
Hypermagnesemia
What is the main mechanism of action of phosphate binders in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia?
Decreasing intestinal absorption of phosphate
Which disease state is most commonly associated with hypokalemia?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with tingling around the mouth?
Hyperphosphatemia
Learn about the common electrolyte imbalances that often occur with fluid deficits or excess. Understand the dangerous imbalances involving total body sodium and the impact on mental status and water balance.
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