Exam (elaborations) VATI Comp Predictor

Lab Value - Calcium (Ca ) (Serum Electrolyte) - ANSWER 8.6 - 10.2 mg/dL -If a patient has severe hypocalcemia, take seizure precautions and assess the airway. Also, monitor for tetany, tingling sensations in the tips of the fingers and around the mouth, and in the feet. Spasms of the muscles of the extremities and the face may occur. Also, be alert for ECG changes including a prolonged QT interval. - If a patient has hypercalcemia, increase mobilization and encourage sufficient oral intake. Take safety precautions if confusion is present and be alert for signs of digitalis toxicity. Also, monitor the patient's cardiac rate and rhythm. Lab Value - Chloride (Cl ) (Serum Electrolyte) - ANSWER 97 - 107 mEq/L -Monitor the patient with hypochloremia for muscle spasms, alkalosis, and depressed respirations. -Monitor the patient with hyperchloremia for acidosis. Lab Value - Magnesium (Mg ) (Serum Electrolyte) - ANSWER 1.3 - 2.3 mEq/L -Hypomagnesemia can predispose a patient to digitalis toxicity or cardiac arrhthymias. Take seizure precautions if necessary, and monitor for laryngeal stridor. -If hypermagnesemia is present, be alert for hypotension and shallow respirations, lethargy, drowsiness, and coma. Don't give magnesium containing medications to patient with renal failure or compromised renal function. Check deep tendon relfexes frequently. Lab Value - Phosphate (PO ) (Serum Electrolyte) - ANSWER 2.5 - 4.5 mg/dL -Patients with severe hypophosphatemia are at greater risk for infection. Admin IV phosphate products cautiously and give TPN cautiously in malnourished patients. Monitor for diarrhea when taking oral supplements. A sudden increase in serum phosphate level can cause hypocalcemia