Sodium
Normal sodium levels range between these values.
What is 135–145 mEq/L?
Normal potassium levels fall within this range.
What is 3.5–5.1 mEq/L?
Normal total calcium levels range between these values.
What is 8.4–10.5 mg/dL?
Normal magnesium levels range between these values.
What is 1.8–3.0 mEq/L?
This type of IV fluid contains the same concentration as plasma.
What is isotonic fluid?
A serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L places a patient at risk for this serious neurological complication.
What are seizures?
Patients receiving potassium replacement should have this monitored closely.
What is cardiac rhythm (ECG monitoring)?
This hormone helps regulate calcium levels in the body.
What is parathyroid hormone (PTH)?
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating these two body systems.
What are the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems?
This organ is primarily responsible for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.
What are the kidneys?
This hormone is primarily responsible for water reabsorption in the kidneys and directly influences serum sodium concentration.
What is antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
This medication is commonly given to protect the heart during severe hyperkalemia.
What is calcium gluconate?
This vitamin is necessary for calcium absorption.
What is Vitamin D?
Hypomagnesemia often occurs simultaneously with this potassium imbalance.
What is hypokalemia?
This nursing intervention helps monitor fluid balance accurately.
What is measuring intake and output?
Rapid correction of hypernatremia can result in this dangerous cerebral complication.
What is cerebral edema?
Potassium should never be administered by this route.
What is intravenous bolus/push?
This electrolyte typically has an inverse relationship with calcium levels.
What is phosphorus?
Loss of deep tendon reflexes is an early sign of this magnesium imbalance.
What is hypermagnesemia?
Crackles, jugular venous distention, and edema suggest this fluid imbalance.
What is fluid volume excess (FVE)?
This IV solution is commonly used cautiously to treat severe symptomatic hyponatremia.
What is 3% hypertonic saline?
Besides insulin, this medication is frequently administered in emergencies to temporarily reduce severe hyperkalemia.
What are Beta-2 agonists or albuterol?
This ECG change is commonly associated with hypocalcemia.
What is prolonged QT interval?
Tremors, hyperactive reflexes, and seizures may occur with this imbalance.
What is hypomagnesemia?
This is the priority nursing assessment for severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
What is airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)?