Electrolytes
Where sodium goes, ____ flows.
Water
Best way to monitor fluid balance changes in a patient?
Daily weights
Normal pH range?
7.35–7.45
Which IV electrolyte must never be given IV push because it can cause fatal arrhythmias?
Potassium (KCl)
Which position helps maximize ventilation in fluid overload?
High Fowler’s
Normal potassium range?
3.5 - 5 mEq/L
1 liter of fluid equals how many pounds?
2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Low pH, high CO₂ = what imbalance?
Respiratory acidosis
What is the antidote for magnesium toxicity?
Calcium gluconate
What is the antidote for magnesium toxicity?
Calcium gluconate
Flattened T waves & U waves indicate which imbalance?
Hypokalemia
Crackles, JVD, edema are signs of what?
Hypervolemia (fluid volume excess)
Kussmaul respirations are classic for which acid-base imbalance?
Metabolic acidosis
A patient with hyperkalemia may be given insulin with dextrose. Why?
It shifts potassium back into cells temporarily
What nursing action is priority when giving IV potassium?
Never IV push, use a pump, max 10 mEq/hr peripheral
Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs indicate deficiency of which electrolyte?
Calcium
Signs of hypovolemia include (name two)
Tachycardia, hypotension, dry mucous membranes, ↓ urine output
Anxiety/pain often cause which acid-base disorder?
Respiratory alkalosis
Which IV fluid is commonly used in surgery and burns because it contains electrolytes like calcium and potassium?
Lactated Ringers (LR)
Why must sodium correction be slow in hyponatremia?
To prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome
Which electrolyte imbalance is common with alcoholism and causes tremors & torsades?
Hypomagnesemia
Pulmonary edema is a complication of which fluid imbalance?
Severe fluid overload
pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55, HCO₃ 30 = interpret.
Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated
A client with metabolic acidosis from cardiac arrest may receive which IV medication to buffer excess hydrogen ions?
Sodium bicarbonate
Before drawing an ABG from the radial artery, what test must the nurse perform?
Allen’s Test (to check collateral circulation).