Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which assessment finding is LEAST likely to be associated with hypernatremia?
Which assessment finding is LEAST likely to be associated with hypernatremia?
A client with hypernatremia is receiving intravenous fluid replacement. What is the MOST important nursing consideration when administering this treatment?
A client with hypernatremia is receiving intravenous fluid replacement. What is the MOST important nursing consideration when administering this treatment?
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause hypernatremia?
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause hypernatremia?
A client presents with fatigue, muscle twitching, and confusion. Serum sodium level returns as 130 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate based on this lab result and assessment?
A client presents with fatigue, muscle twitching, and confusion. Serum sodium level returns as 130 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate based on this lab result and assessment?
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A client with hyponatremia is being treated with IV fluids. Which of the following findings would indicate that the fluid replacement is being administered too rapidly?
A client with hyponatremia is being treated with IV fluids. Which of the following findings would indicate that the fluid replacement is being administered too rapidly?
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Which of the following is NOT a primary function of electrolytes in the human body?
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of electrolytes in the human body?
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A client with a history of kidney disease is at risk for electrolyte imbalances. Which electrolyte is MOST affected by impaired kidney function?
A client with a history of kidney disease is at risk for electrolyte imbalances. Which electrolyte is MOST affected by impaired kidney function?
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A nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results and notices a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which condition does this value indicate?
A nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results and notices a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which condition does this value indicate?
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Which of the following conditions may lead to hyperkalemia?
Which of the following conditions may lead to hyperkalemia?
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A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate?
A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate?
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A patient is receiving intravenous fluids at a rapid rate. Which electrolyte imbalance is of MOST concern for this patient?
A patient is receiving intravenous fluids at a rapid rate. Which electrolyte imbalance is of MOST concern for this patient?
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A client taking diuretics is MOST at risk for developing which electrolyte imbalance?
A client taking diuretics is MOST at risk for developing which electrolyte imbalance?
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Which of the following is a normal value for magnesium (Mg2+)?
Which of the following is a normal value for magnesium (Mg2+)?
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What condition is characterized by low sodium levels?
What condition is characterized by low sodium levels?
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Which of the following is not a symptom associated with hypocalcemia?
Which of the following is not a symptom associated with hypocalcemia?
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What is a common cause of hypermagnesemia?
What is a common cause of hypermagnesemia?
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Which medication class can lead to hypokalemia?
Which medication class can lead to hypokalemia?
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Which is a nursing intervention for managing hyperkalemia?
Which is a nursing intervention for managing hyperkalemia?
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Flashcards
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia
High sodium levels in the body.
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia
Low calcium levels in the body.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia
High calcium levels in the body.
Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia
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Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia
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Electrolytes
Electrolytes
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Functions of Electrolytes
Functions of Electrolytes
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Electrolyte Imbalance Causes
Electrolyte Imbalance Causes
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Potassium Role
Potassium Role
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Sodium Role
Sodium Role
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Normal Potassium Level
Normal Potassium Level
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Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Symptoms of Hyponatremia
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Impact of Excess Sodium
Impact of Excess Sodium
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Fluid Management
Fluid Management
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Study Notes
Disrupted Homeostasis
- Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.
Electrolytes
- Electrolytes are minerals in the body that conduct electricity.
- They are found in urine, blood, tissues, and other body fluids.
- Examples include potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Electrolytes are naturally occurring in the body but also found in food, drinks, and supplements
- Electrolytes help balance water, pH, move waste and nutrients, and allow muscles, heart, nerves and brain to function properly.
Electrolytes Are Responsible For
- Balancing water amount in the body
- Balancing the body's acid/base level
- Moving waste out of body cells
- Moving nutrients into body cells
- Supporting nerve and muscle function
- Maintaining normal blood pressure
- Regulating fluid balance
Electrolyte Imbalance
- Dehydration, overhydration, certain medications, history of heart, kidney, or liver disorders, and incorrect intravenous fluids or feedings can disrupt electrolyte balance.
- Specific electrolyte imbalances have specific values. Potassium (K+) 3.5-5.1 mEq/L, Sodium (Na+) 135-145 mEq/L, Calcium (Ca2+) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL, and Magnesium (Mg2+) 1.8-2.2 mg/dL
Potassium Levels
- Potassium is an electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle cell function, playing a role in heart muscle cells.
Potassium Imbalance: Pathophysiology
- Hyperkalemia: Potassium shifts to extracellular space, metabolic acidosis, cellular damage, kidney disease, and iatrogenic therapy.
- Hypokalemia: Aldosterone release, GI losses, and poor dietary intake.
Potassium Imbalance: Epidemiological and Etiological Risk Factors
- Hyperkalemia: Renal insufficiency, diabetes, malignancies, acidosis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple blood transfusions, smoking, age older than 65.
- Hypokalemia: Increased loss through kidneys and GI tract, increased loss through cellular uptake, comorbidities, age older than 65
Potassium Imbalance: Impact On Overall Health
- Hyperkalemia: Muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, depressed tendon reflexes, cardiovascular issues (dysrhythmias, palpitations, syncope), neurovascular issues (fatigue, peripheral neuropathy), need for laboratory diagnostics.
- Hypokalemia: Muscle weakness and muscle cramps, cardiovascular issues (dysrhythmias, U waves and flattening of the T wave), gastrointestinal issues (nausea, abdominal distention, vomiting), impaired renal function.
Potassium Imbalance: Role of the Nurse
- Hyperkalemia: Limit dietary potassium intake, maintain continuous cardiac monitoring, monitor intake, output, client education about diet, monitor serum potassium levels in chronic kidney disease.
- Hypokalemia: Encourage foods rich in potassium, ensure adequate hydration, avoid mixing potassium in dextrose solutions, evaluate urine output before IV potassium, use an infusion pump.
Sodium Imbalance
- Hypernatremia: >145 mEq/L, hypertonic sodium gain, hypotonic fluid loss, pure water loss (renal, GI).
- Hyponatremia: <135 mEq/L, hypovolemic (renal and extrarenal fluid loss—vomiting, diarrhea, third-spacing), euvolemic (excessive IV fluids), and hypervolemic (cirrhosis and heart failure).
Sodium Imbalance: Pathophysiology
- Hypernatremia: Excessive sodium intake, insufficient water intake, excessive sodium-containing fluids, or diuretic use.
- Hyponatremia: Excessive water intake, inadequate sodium intake, excessive sodium loss, or certain medications.
Magnesium Imbalance: Pathophysiology
- Hypomagnesemia: Poor intake and/or absorption from GI tract, phytic acid, PPIs, calcium, phosphates and fats inhibit absorption, cardiac dysrhythmias, kidney disease.
- Hypermagnesemia: Uncommon imbalance, but can be fatal, causes cardiac and neurologic dysfunction, affected by sodium, vitamin D, growth hormone, parathormone, and thyroid hormone, acute and chronic kidney disease.
Calcium Imbalance: Pathophysiology
- Hypocalcemia: Decreased parathyroid hormone, injury/removal of parathyroid, hypomagnesemia, alkalosis, low vitamin D, calcitonin, pancreatitis.
- Hypercalcemia: Excessive parathyroid hormone, malignancy, hyperparathyroidism, hypervitaminosis D.
Calcium Imbalance: Role of the Nurse
- Hypocalcemia: Encourage supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D, use fall precautions, monitor for symptoms following thyroid or parathyroid surgery, educate client.
- Hypercalcemia: Encourage physical activity and adequate hydration, use fall precautions, educate client on restrictions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on homeostasis and the role of electrolytes in the body. This quiz covers the functions, sources, and importance of electrolytes, as well as the consequences of imbalances. Perfect for students studying biology or health sciences!
