What is the normal range for Sodium? - Answers 135-145 mEq/L
What is the function of Sodium? - Answers Regulates water in and out of cell, muscle contraction, and
nerve impulses.
What are the causes of HYPERnatremia? - Answers *Impaired kidney function, excessive consumption,
IV fluids with NACl, certain tube feedings, diabetes insipidus, diarrhea, and burns
What are the S/S of HYPERnatremia? - Answers Dehydrated, agitated, muscle twitching, hot, and dry
What are the Tx for HYPERnatremia? - Answers It depends on the cause, e.g. give hypotonic fluids for
hypovolemic shock
What are the causes of HYPOnatremia? - Answers Low consumption, diuretics (thiazides), vomiting, GI
suction, diarrhea, sweating, Addison's, SIADH, fluid overload, and burns
What are the S/S of HYPOnatremia? - Answers Lethargy, muscle weakness, anorexia, and hypotension.
What are the Tx for HYPOnatremia? - Answers Treat underlying cause, loop diuretics, and PO or IV NaCl.
What are the food sources of sodium? - Answers Sauces and condiments, pretzels, pickles, cured meat,
sea vegetables, cheese, milk, fast foods, spinach, canned veggies, salted nuts, and table salt.
What is the normal range for potassium? - Answers 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
What is the function of potassium? - Answers Manage nerve function, muscle contraction of the heart,
fluid balance, and BP.
What organ regulated potassium levels in the body? - Answers The kidneys.
What things should the nurse monitor regarding hypo AND hyper kalemia? - Answers ECG, HR, and BP.
(HR and BP will be low in both)
What causes HYPERkalemia? - Answers K+ sparing diuretics, kidney impairments, CPR, burns, trauma,
Addison's, and consumption.
What are the S/S of HYPERkalemia? - Answers Tight, contracted, arrhythmias, *peaked T waves and ST,
*VFIB, cramping, decreased reflexes, *parasthesia, *and confusion
What are the Tx for HYPERkalemia? - Answers IV sodium bicarbonate, IV calcium gluconate, D50 then IV
insulin and albuterol, and dialysis.
What are the causes of HYPOkalemia? - Answers Dehydration, K+ wasting diuretics, corticosteroids,
diarrhea, vomiting, NG tubes (decompression), and insulin.