Electrolyte Imbalances Study Guide PDF

Electrolyte Imbalances Study Guide 1. Sodium (Na⁺) Normal Range: 135-145 mEq/L Conditions: ○ Hypernatremia (high sodium): Symptoms: Thirst, confusion, altered mental status. Risks: Dehydration, diabetes insipidus, excessive sodium intake....

Electrolyte Imbalances Study Guide 1. Sodium (Na⁺) Normal Range: 135-145 mEq/L Conditions: ○ Hypernatremia (high sodium): Symptoms: Thirst, confusion, altered mental status. Risks: Dehydration, diabetes insipidus, excessive sodium intake. Prevention: Low-sodium diet, adequate hydration. ○ Hyponatremia (low sodium): Symptoms: Confusion, seizures, nausea, muscle cramps. Risks: Excessive water intake, diuretic use, heart failure. Prevention: Fluid restrictions, monitor sodium intake. 2. Potassium (K⁺) Normal Range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Conditions: ○ Hyperkalemia (high potassium): Symptoms: Muscle weakness, tingling, arrhythmias. Risks: Kidney failure, potassium-sparing diuretics, tissue damage. Prevention: Limit potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges), monitor medications. ○ Hypokalemia (low potassium): Symptoms: Muscle weakness, arrhythmias, cramping. Risks: Diuretics, excessive vomiting, inadequate dietary intake. Prevention: Potassium-rich foods (spinach, potatoes), supplementation if necessary. 3. Calcium (Ca²⁺) Normal Range: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL Conditions: ○ Hypercalcemia (high calcium): Symptoms: Weakness, confusion, nausea, increased thirst. Risks: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive vitamin D. Prevention: Limit calcium and vitamin D intake, encourage hydration. ○ Hypocalcemia (low calcium): Symptoms: Muscle spasms, cardiac arrhythmias, numbness/tingling.  Risks: Vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism. Prevention: Calcium-rich diet (dairy, leafy greens), vitamin D supplements. 4. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) Normal Range: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL Conditions: ○ Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium): Symptoms: Muscle weakness, lethargy, slow reflexes, respiratory depression. Risks: Kidney disease, excessive intake (laxatives, antacids). Prevention: Limit magnesium-containing medications, monitor renal function. ○ Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium): Symptoms: Muscle cramps, weakness, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms. Risks: Chronic alcoholism, diuretics, malabsorption disorders. Prevention: Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds), monitor alcohol intake. 5. Phosphorus (PO₄³⁻) Normal Range: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL Conditions: ○ Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus): Symptoms: Itchy skin, joint pain, calcification in soft tissues. Risks: Chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, excessive intake. Prevention: Manage kidney disease, limit phosphate-rich foods. Summary of Key Points: Fluid Balance: Sodium plays a crucial role in fluid balance. Muscle Function: Potassium and calcium are vital for muscle function and cardiac health. Nerve Function: Magnesium supports nerve function and energy production. Kidney Health: All electrolytes are closely tied to kidney function, affecting excretion and balance.