NCLEX PREP: ATI Electrolyte Imbalance
Review
These are minerals present in all bodily fluids that help regulate fluid balance and hormone
production. They strengthen skeletal structures, and act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle
contraction, and the metabolism of nutrients - ANSElectrolytes
What are the six major electrolytes in the body? - ANSSodium& Potassium, Magnesium &
Chloride, and Phosphorus and Calcium
Where are electrolytes distributed? Or rather, what are they distributed between? -
ANSIntracellular and extracellular fluid (ICF&ECF)
infants, children, older adults, clients who have cognitive disorders, and clients who have
chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk for what? - ANSelectrolyte imbalances
This is the the major electrolyte found in the ECF and is present in most bodily fluid or
secretions. It is essential for maintenance of acid-base and fluid balance, active and passive
transport mechanisms, and irritability and conduction of nerve and muscle tissue. -
ANSSODIUM
What are the expected serum sodium levels? - ANS135-145
This electrolyte imbalance results from an excess of water in the plasma or loss of sodium rich
fluids - ANSHyponatremia
Excessive GI losses (vomiting NG suctioning, diarrhea, tap water enemas), Renal losses
(diuretics, kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, and excessive sweating), skin losses (burns,
wound drainage, GI obstruction), Increased or normal ECF volume (excessive oral water intake,
SIADH), edematous states (heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome), inadequate sodium
intake, and hyperglycemia are all risk factors of what electrolyte imbalance? -
ANSHyponatremia
What vital signs would a patient who has hyponatremia display? - ANSHypothermia,
tachycardia, rapid thready pulse, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension
What neuromuscular findings would a patient with hyponatremia display? - ANSheadache,
confusion, possible respiratory compromise, muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased deep tendon
reflexes, seizures, and coma
Review
These are minerals present in all bodily fluids that help regulate fluid balance and hormone
production. They strengthen skeletal structures, and act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle
contraction, and the metabolism of nutrients - ANSElectrolytes
What are the six major electrolytes in the body? - ANSSodium& Potassium, Magnesium &
Chloride, and Phosphorus and Calcium
Where are electrolytes distributed? Or rather, what are they distributed between? -
ANSIntracellular and extracellular fluid (ICF&ECF)
infants, children, older adults, clients who have cognitive disorders, and clients who have
chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk for what? - ANSelectrolyte imbalances
This is the the major electrolyte found in the ECF and is present in most bodily fluid or
secretions. It is essential for maintenance of acid-base and fluid balance, active and passive
transport mechanisms, and irritability and conduction of nerve and muscle tissue. -
ANSSODIUM
What are the expected serum sodium levels? - ANS135-145
This electrolyte imbalance results from an excess of water in the plasma or loss of sodium rich
fluids - ANSHyponatremia
Excessive GI losses (vomiting NG suctioning, diarrhea, tap water enemas), Renal losses
(diuretics, kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, and excessive sweating), skin losses (burns,
wound drainage, GI obstruction), Increased or normal ECF volume (excessive oral water intake,
SIADH), edematous states (heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome), inadequate sodium
intake, and hyperglycemia are all risk factors of what electrolyte imbalance? -
ANSHyponatremia
What vital signs would a patient who has hyponatremia display? - ANSHypothermia,
tachycardia, rapid thready pulse, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension
What neuromuscular findings would a patient with hyponatremia display? - ANSheadache,
confusion, possible respiratory compromise, muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased deep tendon
reflexes, seizures, and coma
