Fluid and Electrolytes

Electrolyte Ranges

100

• $100: What is the normal range for sodium?

(135-145 mEq/L)

200

$200: What is the normal range for potassium?

(3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

300

$300: What is the normal range for calcium?

(8.5-10.5 mg/dL)

400

$400: What is the normal range for phosphate?

(2.5-4.5 mg/dL)

500

$500: Which three electrolytes are primarily intracellular?

(Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphate (PO4)

Hormonal Regulation

100

$100: This hormone conserves water by increasing kidney water reabsorption.

(What is ADH?)

200

$200: This hormone promotes sodium and water retention while excreting potassium.

(What is aldosterone?)

300

$300: What triggers the release of aldosterone?

(Low blood pressure, low sodium, or high potassium)

400

$400: What does Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) do?

(It promotes sodium and water excretion to lower blood pressure)

500

$500: Where is ADH released from?

(The posterior pituitary gland)

Signs & Symptoms

100

$100: What electrolyte imbalance is associated with muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures?

(What is hypocalcemia?)

200

$200: What is a major cardiac risk of hyperkalemia?

(Cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest)

300

$300: Hypernatremia is usually caused by this condition.

(What is dehydration?)

400

$400: What are two symptoms of hypokalemia?

(Muscle weakness and arrhythmias)

500

$500: What condition is associated with water shifting into cells, causing swelling and potential brain edema?

(Hyponatremia)

Fluid Balance & Shifts

100

$100: What happens to cells during hypernatremia?

(They shrink as water moves out)

200

$200: What happens to cells during hyponatremia?

(They swell as water moves in)

300

$300: This type of dehydration occurs when there is more water loss than electrolyte loss

(What is hypernatremia?)

400

$400: Name a lab test that helps indicate dehydration.

(Serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine concentration)

500

$500: What is the term for fluid buildup in tissues, often caused by excess sodium retention?

(Edema)

Renal Function & Electrolytes

100

$100: Which organ is responsible for filtering and regulating electrolyte balance?

(The kidneys)

200

$200: The kidneys regulate this ion to maintain acid-base balance.

(Bicarbonate (HCO3-))

300

$300: What effect does aldosterone have on potassium levels?

(It increases potassium excretion)

400

$400: What three electrolytes are tightly regulated by the kidneys?

(**Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Bicarbonate (HCO3) **)

500

$500: What happens to potassium levels if magnesium is too low?

• (Hypokalemia may occur because potassium cannot be properly retained)