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Questions and Answers
A patient exhibiting a positive Trousseau's sign is MOST likely experiencing which electrolyte imbalance?
A patient exhibiting a positive Trousseau's sign is MOST likely experiencing which electrolyte imbalance?
What is the primary action of magnesium in the body?
What is the primary action of magnesium in the body?
Which of the following is a common cause of hypermagnesemia?
Which of the following is a common cause of hypermagnesemia?
A patient with hypomagnesemia is MOST likely to exhibit which symptom?
A patient with hypomagnesemia is MOST likely to exhibit which symptom?
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The majority of sodium is found in which location in the body?
The majority of sodium is found in which location in the body?
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What is the primary risk associated with high sodium intake in individuals with hypertension (HTN)?
What is the primary risk associated with high sodium intake in individuals with hypertension (HTN)?
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Which of the following is a potential cause of hypernatremia (high sodium levels)?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypernatremia (high sodium levels)?
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Which of the following assessment findings is MOST associated with hypernatremia?
Which of the following assessment findings is MOST associated with hypernatremia?
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Which of the following is a primary function of calcium within the body?
Which of the following is a primary function of calcium within the body?
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The actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on dietary calcium absorption and bone density include which of the following?
The actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on dietary calcium absorption and bone density include which of the following?
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What is the primary reason for an inverse relationship between calcium and phosphorus in the body?
What is the primary reason for an inverse relationship between calcium and phosphorus in the body?
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What is the MOST likely cause of hypercalcemia in an immobilized patient?
What is the MOST likely cause of hypercalcemia in an immobilized patient?
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A patient with hypercalcemia might exhibit which of the following symptoms?
A patient with hypercalcemia might exhibit which of the following symptoms?
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Which of the following treatments is MOST appropriate for a patient diagnosed with hypercalcemia?
Which of the following treatments is MOST appropriate for a patient diagnosed with hypercalcemia?
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Which of the following is a primary cause of hypocalcemia?
Which of the following is a primary cause of hypocalcemia?
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A positive Trousseau's sign is an indicator of which condition?
A positive Trousseau's sign is an indicator of which condition?
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What is the primary location of potassium storage in the body?
What is the primary location of potassium storage in the body?
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Which medication would be LEAST effective for treating a patient with acute hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias?
Which medication would be LEAST effective for treating a patient with acute hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias?
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What is the primary effect of insulin on potassium levels in the bloodstream?
What is the primary effect of insulin on potassium levels in the bloodstream?
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A patient with hypokalemia is experiencing muscle cramping and weakness. Which of the following treatments would be MOST appropriate for this patient?
A patient with hypokalemia is experiencing muscle cramping and weakness. Which of the following treatments would be MOST appropriate for this patient?
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Which of the following actions is crucial when administering an IV potassium replacement?
Which of the following actions is crucial when administering an IV potassium replacement?
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Which of these conditions is NOT a typical cause of hyperkalemia?
Which of these conditions is NOT a typical cause of hyperkalemia?
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Why is it important to monitor cardiac activity with telemetry and an EKG in patients with hyperkalemia?
Why is it important to monitor cardiac activity with telemetry and an EKG in patients with hyperkalemia?
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A patient is on a potassium-wasting diuretic. Which of the following would be the MOST significant indicator to watch for, related to potassium imbalances?
A patient is on a potassium-wasting diuretic. Which of the following would be the MOST significant indicator to watch for, related to potassium imbalances?
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Study Notes
Electrolytes - Chapter 17
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Potassium (3.5-5 mEq/L):
- Primarily intracellular, small variations significantly impact function.
- Sources include bananas, DGL, potatoes, and avocados.
- Excreted by the kidneys.
- Related to insulin: facilitates glucose and potassium movement between cells and blood.
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Hyperkalemia Causes:
- Decreased kidney function (unable to eliminate sufficient potassium).
- Medications (potassium-sparing diuretics).
- Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting).
- Cardiac arrhythmias (require telemetry monitoring and EKG).
- Muscle weakness.
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Hyperkalemia Treatment:
- Stop potassium intake (dietary restriction).
- Increase potassium excretion (potassium-wasting diuretics like furosemide).
- Osmotic laxative enema (Kayexalate) (less immediately effective but useful in non-emergency cases).
- Insulin and dextrose (to shift potassium into cells).
- Calcium gluconate (blocks potassium action on the heart).
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Hypokalemia Causes:
- Medications (potassium-wasting diuretics, thiazides).
- Gastrointestinal loss (diarrhea, vomiting).
- NG suction.
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Hypokalemia Symptoms:
- Muscle cramping, weakness
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Hypokalemia Treatment:
- Stop potassium-wasting diuretics and add potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Address any gastrointestinal or other losses.
- Dietary potassium increase.
- IV potassium replacement (multiple bags over 3-4 hours, with max 10 mEq/hour).
Calcium (9-10.5 mEq/L)
- Action: Affects muscles, bones, and nerve function.
- Storage: Primarily in bones.
- Sources: Dairy, DGL, broccoli.
- Regulation: Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium absorption and bone turnover
- Relationship to Phosphorus: Inverse relationship.
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Hypercalcemia Causes:
- Immobility.
- Hyperparathyroidism.
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Hypercalcemia Symptoms:
- Fatigue, bone pain, fractures.
- Elevated blood pressure, kidney stones, EKG changes.
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Hypocalcemia Causes:
- Renal disease (impaired vitamin D production, leading to lesser calcium absorption)
- Decreased PTH, parathyroidectomy, hypoparathyroidism.
- Inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake.
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Hypocalcemia Symptoms:
- Decrease in blood pressure, hyperreflexia (Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs).
Magnesium (1.3-2.1 mEq/L)
- Action: Decreases muscle contraction, relaxes muscles.
- Storage: Primarily in muscles.
- Sources: DGL, nuts.
- Regulation: Regulated by kidneys.
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Hypermagnesemia Causes:
- Overuse of antacids.
- Renal failure.
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Hypermagnesemia Symptoms:
- Decreased blood pressure, pulse, and respirations. Decreased DTR, muscle tone, Loss of consciousness
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Hypomagnesemia Causes:
- Inadequate intake.
- Absorption issues (Crohn's disease, IBS).
- Alcohol dependence.
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Hypomagnesemia Symptoms:
- Elevated blood pressure, cardiac problems, EKG changes.
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Treatment for both:
- Calcium gluconate (blocks magnesium effects).
- Dialysis.
- Treatment of underlying causes.
Sodium (135-145 mEq/L)
- Action: Essential for neuro function and fluid balance.
- Storage: Primarily extracellular.
- Sources: Dietary intake.
Hypernatremia
-
Causes:
- Insufficient water intake.
- Excessive fluid loss (diabetes insipidus, osmotic diuretics).
- Excessive sodium intake.
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Symptoms:
- Dehydration, dry mouth, thirst, cerebral shrinking, elevated blood pressure
Hyponatremia
-
Causes:
- Excessive water intake.
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
- Psychogenic polydipsia.
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Symptoms:
- Edema (pulmonary and cerebral), decreased blood pressure, nausea.
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Description
Explore the vital role of potassium in this chapter on electrolytes. Learn about its levels, sources, and the implications of hyperkalemia including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding potassium's function and management can enhance health outcomes.
