NUR 120 Electrolytes

Normal Values

100

3.5-5 

Potassium 

(think of when you buy a bunch of bananas there are usually 3-5 in a bunch) 

200

135-145

Sodium 

300

9-10.5 

Calcium 

(think CALL 911) 

400

1.3-2.1 

Magnesium 

500

Nursling Interventions for Magnesium: 

Hyper: calcium chloride/gluconate, diuretics, avoid mag, dialysis 

Hypo: 

HYPO causes

100

diuretics, inadequate consumption of K, too much water intake*, crazy BG (DKA leading to alkalosis), heavy GI fluid loss*

HYPOkalemia 

200

Limited intake,Other electrolyte issues, Wasting mag kidneys, Malabsorption issues/ Medications, Alcoholism, Glycemic issues

Hypomagnesium: think LOW MAG 

300

Low parathyroid hormone, Overuse of alcoholW ound drainage, Celiac’s & Crohn’s Disease, albumin levels low, Low Vitamin D, Chronic kidney disease, Increased phosphorus levels, Using certain medications, Multiple blood transfusions

Hypocalcemia: think LOW CALCIUM 

400

Fluid Excess 

Hyponatremia 

500

Nursing Interventions Sodium:

Hyper: rehydrate, hypotonic solution, Na restriction, diuretics, Neuro precautions 

Hypo: Monitor/Assess airway, mannitol, 3% or 5% NS, fluid restriction, seizure precaution 

HYPER causes

100

cellular damage, acidosis, renal failure, excessive intake, drugs

hyperkalemia

200

High PO intake, Immobilization and major trauma, Growth of cancer, Hyperparathyroidism

Hypercalcemia: think HIGH

300

Sodium intake excessive, Aldosterone overproduction, Loss of fluids (burns, vomiting, prolonged NG suction),Thirst impairment

Hypernatremia: think SALT

400

Renal failure, excessive administration 

Hypermagnesemia

500

Nursing Interventions Calcium: 

Hypo: Administer Calcium, Vitamin D, seizure precaution, education, maintain airway 

Hyper: hydrate, dialysis, calcium restriction, EKG monitoring 

Hypo Symptoms

100

Lethargy, Low shallow respirations, Lethal cardiac dysrhythmias, Leg cramps (Tetany), Limp muscles/tendon reflexes, Low BP & heart, Ileus, Loss of renal function

Hyokalemia: 7 L's 

200

Seizures, Abdominal cramping (N/V), Level of consciousness changes, Twitching muscles

hyponatremia 

300

Fatigue, Abnormal density, Stridors/Swelling, Tingling/Tetany, Confusion, Reflexes hyperactive, Arrymthmias, Muscle spams, Positive Trousseaus, Signs of Chvosteks 

Hypocalcemia: FAST CRAMPS 

400

Trousseau’s, Weakness, Irritability (personality changes), Tingling and Tetany (seizures),Cardiac changes and Chvostek’s sign, Hyperreflexia, Insomnia, Nausea, GI issues

hypomagnesium: TWITCHING

500

Nursing Interventions Potassium: 

Hypo: EKG and Respiratory monitoring, potassium administration, PO potassium 

Hyper: Cardiac monitoring, dialysis, education, glucose and insulin, diuretics, kayexalate 

Hyper Symptoms

100

Seizures, Orthostatic Hypotension & tachycardia Specific Gravity increase/ decrease UO, Fatigue &weakness,Restless & agitated, Increased reflexes/ muscle twitching, Extreme thirst & flushed & dry skin, Deep tendon reflex absent

Hypernatremia: SOS IM FRIED

200

Abdominal moans, painful bones, kidney stones, groans, neurologic overtones 

Hypercalcemia

300

Lethargy, EKG changes, Tendon reflexes absent, Hypotension, Arrythmias, Respiratory arrest, GI issues, Impaired breathing, Cardiac arrest 

Hypermagnesium: LETHARGIC

400

Muscle weakness, Urine production drop (renal failure), Respiratory failure, Decreased cardiac contractility, Early signs:muscle twitches & cramps (N/V) late profound weakness, flaccid, Rhythm changes

Hyperkalemia

500

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