Lab Values
Na+
136-145 mEq/L
pH
7.35-7.45
Diarrhea would cause which electrolyte deficit?
Potassium or Hypokalemia
What are 2 buffers in the body?
Some answers:
Bicarbonate, Carbonic acid, hemoglobin, protein buffers, phosphate
challenge point: which organ excretes what?
Possible nursing diagnoses for fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance alterations
Risk for electrolyte imbalance, deficient fluid volume, decreased cardiac output, excess fluid volume, impaired gas exchange
K+
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
35-45 mm HG
Cardiac arrhythmias can be seen with what electrolyte imbalance?
High potassium or hyperkalemia
What 2 systems of the body excrete acid?
Lungs and Kidneys
increased pH, decreased PaCO2, normal HCO-3
Respiratory alkalosis
Cl-
98-106 mEq/L
PaO2
80-100 mm Hg
A patient with a vitamin D deficiency may have this electrolyte imbalance
Low calcium or hypocalcemia
If the lungs are unable to release CO2, which system kicks in to compensate?
Kidneys
Decreased pH, Normal PaCo2, Decreased HCO-3
Metabolic acidosis
Total CO2
22-30 mEq/L
O2
95-100%
A patient experiencing seizures may have this electrolyte imbalance
low sodium or hyponatremia
What happens in metabolic acidosis?
The kidneys cannot excrete enough metabolic acids
What are some risk factors for fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances?
Age, environment, GI output, Chronic diseases, trauma, therapies
HCO-3
arterial 21-28 mEq/L
venous 24-230 mEq/L
Base excess
-2 to +2 mm Eq/L
A patient is experiencing neuromuscular excitability. What electrolyte imbalance should be checked?
magnesium
What causes Respiratory alkalosis?
Alveolar hyperventilation
A patient with 3rd and 4th-degree burns would most likely have which imbalances?
metabolic acidosis, ECV deficit