Electrolyte Imbalances
This condition is characterized by muscle cramps, weakness, and arrhythmias, and is commonly caused by GI losses or diuretic therapy.
What is hypokalemia?
This condition is diagnosed when the pH of the blood is lower than 7.35, indicating an excess of acid.
What is acidosis?
A hemoglobin level below this range may indicate anemia due to blood loss or nutritional deficiencies.
What is 12-16 g/dL for females or 13-18 g/dL for males?
This protein makes up 60% of total protein and helps keep fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, and is decreased in malnutrition and liver disease.
What is albumin?
This type of health history is appropriate for new patients, establishes baselines for future assessments, and serves as a platform for health promotion.
What is a Comprehensive Health History?
This electrolyte imbalance can cause lethargy, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
What is hypercalcemia?
This acid-base component is influenced by respiratory activity and increases during respiratory acidosis.
What is PaCO2?
This lab value is typically three times the hemoglobin level and helps assess the volume of red blood cells in the blood.
What is hematocrit?
Increased serum osmolality may indicate severe dehydration, diabetes insipidus, or ingestion of this substance, commonly found in antifreeze.
What is methanol or ethylene glycol?
This term refers to data collected from a family member, chart, or other sources, which may be unreliable if the historian is inaccurate due to factors like cognitive impairment.
What is Secondary Data?
A prolonged QT interval and tetany (including Trousseau’s sign and Chvostek’s sign) are signs of this condition.
What is hypocalcemia?
This component of an ABG is regulated by the kidneys and reflects the bicarbonate level in the blood.
What is HCO3- (bicarbonate)?
A decreased platelet count may be caused by conditions like bone marrow suppression or autoimmune disorders, and is known as this.
What is thrombocytopenia?
This test measures the concentration of solutes in the urine and can indicate hydration status or renal function.
What is urine specific gravity?
These types of responses, such as false reassurance or unsolicited advice, should be avoided during patient interviews as they can hinder effective communication.
What are Nontherapeutic Responses?
This electrolyte disorder, often caused by renal insufficiency, can lead to muscle weakness and lethargy and may require careful monitoring of cardiac rhythm.
What is hypermagnesemia?
This lab value is used to assess kidney function, and an increase in levels may indicate impaired renal function or decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
What is creatinine?
This test measures the extrinsic pathway of clotting and is used to monitor anticoagulation therapy, especially in patients on warfarin.
What is prothrombin time (PT)?
What an increased urine pH may be caused by.
What is respiratory alkalosis, potassium depletion, or chronic renal failure?
This area of assessment includes questions related to financial status, occupation, housing, and support systems to better understand the patient's overall well-being.
What is a Psychosocial Assessment?
This condition is usually asymptomatic but can cause tetany if hypocalcemia is also present, and is common in those with advanced renal insufficiency.
What is hyperphosphatemia?
This test measures the level of urea in the blood, and elevated levels may indicate impaired renal function or dehydration.
What is blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
This test monitors the effects of unfractionated heparin and measures the intrinsic pathway of clotting.
What is activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)?
A urine pH lower than 4.6 may indicate this condition, which can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis or diarrhea.
What is metabolic acidosis?
This system is used to document a woman's pregnancy history, including the total number of pregnancies, term births, preterm births, abortions, and living children.
What is the GTPAL System?