Sodium (Na⁺)
This is the normal serum sodium range in mEq/L.
What is ~ 135–145 mEq/L?
This is the normal serum potassium range (mEq/L).
What is ~ 3.5–5.0 mEq/L?
Normal total serum calcium range (mg/dL).
What is ~ 8.5–10.5 mg/dL?
Hyponatremia can lead to this neurologic danger from brain swelling.
What is cerebral edema / seizures / confusion?
Characteristic ECG change in hyperkalemia: peaked ___ waves.
What are peaked T waves?
Hypomagnesemia can lead to this refractory electrolyte disturbance (hint: with low Mg, this is hard to correct).
What is hypokalemia (or hypocalcemia)?
A hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidney.
What is aldosterone?
The primary mechanism by which the kidney excretes K⁺ is by this process in the distal tubule/collecting duct.
What is secretion (K⁺ secretion)?
This hormone or vitamin raises serum calcium (name one).
What is parathyroid hormone (PTH), or Vitamin D / calcitriol?
The primary cause of hypernatremia is this (too much of this or too little water).
What is water loss (dehydration) or sodium gain?
This diuretic class (name) can cause potassium wasting.
What are loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide) or thiazide diuretics?
A positive Trousseau’s sign or Chvostek’s sign suggests deficiency of this electrolyte.
What is calcium (hypocalcemia)?
On a lab report, this term means ‘low sodium’.
What is hyponatremia?
In hypokalemia, this ECG abnormality (U wave or something) is often seen.
What is a U wave (or flattened T wave, ST depression)?
What happens to calcium if phosphate is high?
What is hypocalcemia (low calcium)