Potassium
This electrolyte imbalance is associated with flattened T waves and U waves on ECG.
What is hypokalemia?
Thirst, dry mucous membranes, and restlessness are early signs of this condition.
What is hypernatremia?
Chronic hypocalcemia due to inadequate calcium intake is related to this common bone disease in the elderly.
What is osteoporosis?
These common over-the-counter medications can increase the risk of hypermagnesemia (especially in patients with renal failure).
What are magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives?
Excessive intake of fluids can cause electrolytes to be __________.
What is dilute or decreased/ too low?
This class of diuretics increases the risk for hypokalemia.
What are loop or thiazide diuretics?
"Hazy and swollen brain" symptoms refer to this electrolyte imbalance.
What is hyponatremia?
This calcium supplement is inexpensive, commonly prescribed, but is actually available over-the-counter.
What is calcium carbonate (examples: Tums, Caltrate, Os-Cal)? Can also accept calcium citrate (Citracal- but is more expensive).
Hypomagnesemia can affect the heart and can result in this very unique and dangerous ECG pattern, that translates to "twisting of the points" in English.
This class of medications can be given orally for treatment of chronic edema, or IV to treat more severe fluid volume excess.
What are diuretics?
Constipation and decreased bowel sounds are most commonly seen with this potassium imbalance.
What is hypokalemia?
Name a common medication that would contribute to the development of hyponatremia.
What is a diuretic or ADH-related medication?
A nurse caring for a client with hypocalcemia may note the client is positive for this definitive assessment sign.
What is positive Chvostek’s or Trousseau’s signs?
A client receiving IV magnesium sulfate must be monitored for this type of reflexes.
What is decreased/absent deep tendon reflexes?
This type of IV solution is commonly used to treat fluid volume deficit.
What is isotonic fluid such as normal saline (0.9% NS) or lactated Ringer’s?
A patient with renal failure has peaked T waves and muscle weakness. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?
What is hyperkalemia?
Name an IV fluid that may be used to treat hyponatremia.
What is isotonic or hypertonic saline?
A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypocalcemia. The nurse would anticipate giving this IV medication with this specific precaution.
What is IV calcium (calcium gluconate) and monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm while giving slowly?
A nurse is caring for a client in the maternity ward that is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. The client begins to show signs of hypermagnesemia. The nurse anticipates doing these two things following the discovery of the high magnesium level.
What is stop the IV magnesium infusion and monitor deep tendon reflexes and/or respiratory status?
The nurse is reviewing lab results for a group of clients as follows:
A) Sodium 132 mEq/L (normal: 135-145)
B) Potassium 6.5 mEq/L (normal: 3.5-5.0)
C) Calcium 8.2 mg/dL (normal: 8.5-10.5)
D) Magnesium 1.4 mEq/L (normal: 1.5-2.5)
The nurse recognizes ____________as a critical result and needs to immediately _________.
What is B - Severe hyperkalemia (>6.5 mEq/L) can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias and requires immediate intervention/ urgent notification of the physician?
A patient taking spironolactone daily has peaked T waves and muscle weakness. What two interventions should the nurse anticipate addressing this electrolyte imbalance?
Cardiac monitoring and administration of potassium lowering medication (Kayexelate or Patiromer)
Name two priority nursing interventions for treatment of hyponatremia.
What are seizure precautions and monitoring neurologic status.
A client has just had a radical thyroidectomy. Name the most common electrolyte imbalance following this kind of surgery and one obvious assessment sign/symptom.
What is hypocalcemia and the possible signs are:
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic alcoholism. A "banana bag" is prescribed to replenish some of the electrolytes after a week-long alcohol binge. These two electrolytes go together and may be very low for this type of client.
What are magnesium and potassium?
This specific electrolyte imbalance carries the highest cardiac risk, is characterized by peaked T waves, wide QRS, bradycardia, and is high risk for this specific heart response.
What is hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest or heart stop?