Double Trouble
These two electrolytes are both needed for proper muscle contraction and often drop together.
Calcium and Magnesium
The classic mnemonic for hypercalcemia symptoms.
What is "stones, bones, groans, and psychiatric overtones"?
This common loop diuretic is notorious for causing hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
furosemide (Lasix)
This medication is given to stabilize the cardiac membrane in life-threatening hyperkalemia but does NOT lower potassium levels.
calcium gluconate
The normal serum potassium range
3.5-5.0
This body system shows the most dangerous and life-threatening effects of hyperkalemia.
Cardiac/Cardiovascular
Low levels of this electrolyte can prevent successful correction of hypokalemia.
Magnesium
This assessment finding is elicited by tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the ear, causing facial twitching.
Chvostek's sign
Long-term use of these acid-reducing medications can cause hypomagnesemia
What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
This is the reason you should NEVER give potassium via IV push.
causes cardiac arrest/can stop the heart
The normal serum sodium range
135-145
Electrolyte imbalances affecting this system may cause tetany, muscle cramps, and altered reflexes
Neuromuscular
This electrolyte imbalance commonly occurs alongside hypokalemia in patients taking loop diuretics.
hypomagnesemia or (hypocalcemia)
This carpopedal spasm occurs when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure for 3 minutes, indicating hypocalcemia.
Trousseau's sign
Excessive use of this over-the-counter antacid containing calcium can lead to hypercalcemia and metabolic alkalosis.
Calcium Carbonate (TUMS)
These three emergency medications shift potassium from the bloodstream into cells temporarily in hyperkalemic crisis
insulin with dextrose (D50), sodium bicarbonate, and albuterol (nebulizer)
The normal serum calcium range.
8.5-10.5
This organ system's failure leads to the most common cause of hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients.
Renal/Kidney
This electrolyte primarily affects the heart.
Potassium
This imbalance is characteristic of an ECG change that shows tall, narrow, peaked T waves.
Hyperkalemia
Maximum rate at which Potassium should be infused
10-20 mEq/hr via peripheral line
This should be monitored when giving IV calcium, giving too fast can cause a life-threatening symptoms.
Heart Rate
A potassium level above this value is considered life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
6.5 (6.0-7.0)
Severe hyponatremia primarily affects this body system, causing confusion, seizures, and potentially cerebral edema.
What is the central nervous system (CNS)/neurological system
Correcting this electrolyte too rapidly can cause osmotic demyelination syndrome (central pontine myelinolysis).
Sodium (hypnatremia)
These three neuromuscular symptoms form the classic triad of hypomagnesemia
What are tremors, tetany, and seizures? (Also accept: hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, positive Chvostek's/Trousseau's)
This medication is used to actually remove potassium from the body in hyperkalemia, unlike other treatments that only temporarily shift it into cells.
What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
This life-threatening complication can occur when hyponatremia is corrected too rapidly, causing irreversible neurological damage.
What is osmotic demyelination syndrome (central pontine myelinolysis)?
The normal serum magnesium range, which is often forgotten but critically important.
1.8-3.0
This body system is affected by high levels of magnesium and can lead to decreased rate and depth
Respiratory/pulmonary