Electrolyte Table

What does it do S/S of hyper (Too much) S/S of hypo (Too little) Lost via… Gained via… RN Interventions Medical Interventions Sodium 135-145mEq/L Regulates extracellular fluid volume, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, regulate acid-base balance Hypernatremia: restlessness, weakness, disorientation, delusion, hallucination Hyponatremia: confusion, hypotension, edema, muscle cramps, weakness, dry skin. Severe: Increasing ICP, lethargy, muscle twitching, focal weakness, seizures GI tract, kidneys, skin GI tract, salt Hyponatremia: Hypertonic solution, increase salt intake Hypernatremia: hypotonic solution, increase PO intake Potassium 3.5-5.0mEq/L Controls intracellular osmolality, cellular enzyme activity, transmission of electrical impulses in nerve, heart, skeletal, intestinal, lung Hyperkalemia: skeletal muscle weakness, paralysis, cardiac irregularities/arrest, heart block Hypokalemia: muscle weakness, leg cramps, fatigue, paresthesia, dysrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia (death) Kidneys, stool, sweat, emesis Fruits, vegetables, peas and beans, whole grains, milk, meats, banana, citrus Never give via IV push Hypokalemia: give potassium (PO, IV) Hyperkalemia: loop diuretics, dialysis, insulin (grab glucose and potassium into the cell) Magnesium 1.3-2.3mEq/L Metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, neuromuscular function, cardiovascular system, producing vasodilation Nausea, vomiting, weakness, flushing, lethargy, respiratory depression, coma, cardiac arrest, deep tendon reflexes Withdrawal from alcohol, tube feedings. Muscle weakness, tremors, tetany, seizures, heart block, change in mental status, Torsade’s de Points Urine with use of loop diuretics GI tract, green, leafy vegetables, nuts, seafood, whole grains, peas, beans, coca Hypomagnesemia: magnesium Hypermagnesemia: diuretics, dialysis Calcium 8.6-10.2mg/dL Blood coagulation, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, bones, and teeth Nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, excessive urination, thirst, confusion, lethargy, cardiac arrest Numbness and tingling of fingers, mouth, or feet, tetany, muscle cramps, seizures Feces, urine Vitamin D, milk, beans, green, vegetables, fish Inverse relationship with phosphorus. Cancer causes hypercalcemia because tumors secrete PTH (pulls Ca from bone) Phosphate 2.5-4.5mg/dl Acid-base balance as a hydrogen buffer, promotes energy storage; carb, protein, fat metabolism, bone and teeth formation, muscle and RBCs function Tetany, anorexia, nausea, muscle weakness, tachycardia Administration of calories to malnourished patients, alcohol withdrawal, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperventilation, insulin release, absorption problems, irritability, fatigue, Concurrent ingestion of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, kidneys GI tract, animal products, dark soda