Electrolyte Imbalances Quiz

Electrolyte Imbalances: Deficiency

• Calcium (4.5-5 mEq/L):
  • Hypocalcemia causes: Hypoparathyroidism, Acute pancreatitis, Hyperphosphatemia, Thyroid carcinoma, Vitamin D deficiency, Long QT interval
• Potassium (3.5-5 mEq/L):
  • Hypokalemia causes: Excessive loss through vomiting, urination, or diarrhea, Use of drugs, Poor intake of potassium, Hyperaldosteronism, U wave on ECG
• Sodium (135-145 mEq/L):
  • Hyponatremia causes: Excessive loss through diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, or use of diuretics, Excessive water intake, Head injury
• Chloride (95-108 mEq/L):
  • Hypochloremia causes: Addison's disease, Diarrhea, Metabolic alkalosis, Respiratory acidosis, Vomiting
• Magnesium (1.5-2.5 mEq/L):
  • Hypomagnesemia causes: Excessive loss from GI tract, Use of drugs, Chronic alcoholism, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Hyperparathyroidism

Electrolyte Imbalances: Excess

• Calcium (4.5-5 mEq/L):
  • Hypercalcemia causes: Prolonged immobilization, Hyperparathyroidism, Malignancy of bone, Short QT interval
• Potassium (3.5-5 mEq/L):
  • Hyperkalemia causes: Renal failure, Hyporaldosteronism, Use of drugs, Excessive intake of potassium, Condition where potassium moves out of tissue cells into plasma, Tall T wave on ECG
• Sodium (135-145 mEq/L):
  • Hypernatremia causes: Loss of fluid through diarrhea, Deprivation of water, Excessive salt intake, Diabetes insipidus, Heat stroke
• Chloride (95-108 mEq/L):
  • Hyperchloremia causes: Cardiac decompensation, Metabolic acidosis, Respiratory alkalosis, Corticosteroid therapy, Uremia
• Magnesium (1.5-2.5 mEq/L):
  • Hypermagnesemia causes: Renal disease and renal failure, Treatment with magnesium and magnesium-containing medications