Electrolytes - Chapter 17

A condition where the blood calcium level is too high, causing symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, fractures, elevated blood pressure, and kidney stones.

A condition where the blood calcium level is too low, causing symptoms like low blood pressure, hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes), and muscle spasms.

A hormone produced by the parathyroid gland that regulates blood calcium levels by increasing its absorption in the intestines and release from bones.

A vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium from the intestines, leading to increased calcium deposition in bones.

A type of hypercalcemia caused by prolonged immobility, where calcium is released from the bones into the bloodstream.

A type of hypercalcemia caused by an overactive parathyroid gland, leading to excessive calcium release from bones.

A test to check for hypocalcemia. A positive Chvostek sign is when tapping on the facial nerve causes facial muscle twitching.

A test to check for hypocalcemia. A positive Trousseau sign shows a hand spasm after inflating a blood pressure cuff.

Potassium is primarily found inside cells, not in the bloodstream. Because of the low concentration in the blood, even small changes in potassium levels can have significant effects.

Potassium's role is vital to nerve and muscle function, impacting everything from muscle contractions to nerve impulses.

Hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels in the blood. This can be caused by kidney problems, certain medications like potassium-sparing diuretics, or digestive issues like diarrhea.

Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's rhythm, leading to dangerous arrhythmias. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially paralysis.

Treatment for hyperkalemia involves restricting potassium intake, increasing potassium excretion, shifting potassium into cells, or blocking its action on the heart.

Hypokalemia indicates low potassium levels in the blood, often caused by potassium-wasting diuretics, digestive disorders, or prolonged NG suctioning.

Hypokalemia can manifest as muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, and even paralysis. It can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

Treatment for hypokalemia focuses on replenishing potassium levels through dietary adjustments, potassium-sparing diuretics, and intravenous potassium replacement.

A positive Trousseau's sign indicates low calcium levels in the blood, causing muscle spasms and hand contractions when a blood pressure cuff is inflated.

Calcium gluconate is an IV medication given for severe hypocalcemia. It quickly increases calcium levels in the blood.

Bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate are medications used to prevent bone breakdown in cases of hypocalcemia.

Hypermagnesemia is a condition where there is too much magnesium in the blood, typically caused by overuse of antacids or kidney failure.

Hypomagnesemia is a condition where there is too little magnesium in the blood, typically caused by poor dietary intake or malabsorption.

Hypernatremia is a condition where there is too much sodium in the blood, usually due to dehydration or excessive sodium intake.

Water follows salt, so excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.

Treating hypernatremia involves addressing the underlying cause, such as dehydration, and replenishing fluids with water or saline solutions.