Salty Sodium (Na⁺) Normal: 135–145 mEq/L
Sodium’s main job in the body.
What is controlling fluid balance
Potassium’s most important organ.
What is the heart
Calcium’s role in the neuromuscular system.
What is muscle contraction
Magnesium’s overall effect on the body.
What is calming muscles and nerves
Phosphate’s main role in the body.
What is energy/ATP production
A patient reports numbness and tingling in their fingers, muscle spasms, and has a recent history of thyroid surgery.
Which electrolyte imbalance is MOST likely causing these symptoms?
What is hypocalcemia
The organ system most affected when sodium is too low.
What is the brain
A classic ECG change in hyperkalemia.
What are peaked T waves
A sign of hypocalcemia where the cheek twitches.
What is Chvostek’s sign
A symptom of low magnesium.
What are tremors or hyperreflexia
Low phosphate causes this major symptom.
What is muscle weakness
A hallmark sign of hyponatremia.
What is confusion
A common cause of hypokalemia.
What is diuretic use
A sign of hypocalcemia triggered by a BP cuff.
What is Trousseau’s sign
A symptom of high magnesium.
What is decreased reflexes
High phosphate often causes symptoms similar to this electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypocalcemia
A classic symptom of hypernatremia.
What is extreme thirst or dry mucous membranes
A symptom shared by both high and low potassium.
What is muscle weakness
A common symptom of hypercalcemia.
What is constipation
Severe hypermagnesemia can depress this vital function.
What is respiration
Chloride works closely with this electrolyte.
What is sodium
Severe sodium imbalance can lead to this life‑threatening complication.
What are seizures
Severe hyperkalemia can lead to this fatal complication.
What is cardiac arrest
The phrase used to remember hypercalcemia symptoms.
What are “stones, bones, groans, and moans”
Magnesium is often paired with this electrolyte in replacement protocols.
What is potassium
High chloride levels are often associated with this acid–base imbalance.
What is metabolic acidosis