Electrolyte Imbalance PDF

Electrolyte imbalance Electrolytes Electrolytes are minerals in our body that have an electric charge. They are present in our blood, urine, tissues and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important because they help to:  Balance the amount of water in our body.  Balance our body's acid/base (pH...

Electrolyte imbalance Electrolytes Electrolytes are minerals in our body that have an electric charge. They are present in our blood, urine, tissues and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important because they help to:  Balance the amount of water in our body.  Balance our body's acid/base (pH) level. Main function of electrolytes  They help our body to regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside our cells.  They regulate nerve and muscle function, and help rebuild damaged tissue. Electrolytes in human body Sodium (Na+) Potassium (K+) Bicarbonate (HCO3-) Chloride (Cl-) Calcium (Ca2+) Magnesium (Mg2+) Phosphate (PO42-) Balance is maintained by:- Homeostasis is maintained by:- Regulation of body water It leads to:- Dsyfunctioning leads to Edema Electrolyte balance ECF: extracellular fluid ICF: intracellular fluid Regulation of sodium Abnormal levels A) Hypernatremia: Increase in sodium This condition may occur due to: 1) Rapid administration of sodium salts by intravenous route. 2) Rapid loss of water as in cases of diabetes insipidus. 3) During pregnancy due to placental hormones. Note: Hypernatremia leads to edema, respiratory infection and hypertension. B) Hyponatremia: Decrease in sodium This may occur due to: 1) 2) Chronic renal disease Severe sweating This condition is manifested clinically headache and muscle cramps. as Potassium (K) Distribution: Mainly potassium is intracellular. Metabolism: • Kidney is the major organ regulating potassium metabolism, it is filtered at the glomeruli, and there is also active secretion. Normal serum value 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Functions: It is mainly intracellular. Hence 1. It keeps the intracellular acid-base balance. 2. It keeps the intracellular osmotic pressure. 3. It is important for several metabolic functions, e.g. protein biosynthesis in the ribosomes and as an activator for some enzymes. 4. It is important for maintaining the normal muscle activity and contraction of the heart. B) Hypokalemia: <3.5 mEq/L • This is decreased plasma potassium level. • Caused by: Clinical manifestation of hypokalemia Abnormal levels A) Hyperkalemia: > 5 mEq/L This is increased plasma potassium level and this may be due to: 1) Renal failure and dehydration. 2) Excessive intravenous administration. • This condition is characterized clinically by bradycardia, hyper active muscle, heart block, ECG changes and mental confusion. Chloride (Cl ) • It functions with other electrolytes in our system, such as sodium and potassium, to regulate the amount of fluid and the pH balance in your body. • Chloride is most commonly consumed as table salt (sodium chloride). Cause of hypochloremia Nasogastric suction Vomiting Kidney disease Heart failure