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Chapter 40: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base BalanceAce Your Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Registered Nurse (RN) Students
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Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid
Normal Electrolyte Lab Values
- Potassium (K+)
- 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
- Calcium (Ca2+)
- 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
- Phosphate (PO43–)
- 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
- Magnesium (Mg2+)
- 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
- Sodium (Na+)
- 135 to 145 mEq/L
- Chloride (Cl–)
- 95 to 105 mEq/L
2 mins
Sodium (Na+) Lab Value
- 135-145 mEq/L
24 secs
Potassium (K+) Lab Value
- 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
20 secs
Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value
- 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
26 secs
Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value
- 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
28 secs
Chloride (Cl-) Lab Value
- 95-105 mEq/L
28 secs
Phosphate (PO43-) Lab Value
- 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
29 secs
pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value
- Blood
- 7.35 - 7.45
- Urine
- 4.0 - 8.0
1 min
Hyponatremia
- Assessment
- < 135 mEq Na+
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Decreased LOC
- Confusion / Lethargy
- Seizures
- Priority Interventions
- Assess Airway
- Reduce Diuretic Dosage
- Fluid Excess Hyponatremia
- Mannitol (Osmitrol)
- Fluid Restriction
- Fluid Deficit Hyponatremia
- Hypertonic Solution (3% or 5% NaCl)
2 mins
Hypernatremia
- Assessment
- > 145 mEq/L Na+
- Change in LOC
- Extreme Thirst
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Dry Flushed Skin
- Muscle Twitching
- Seizures
- Priority Interventions
- Treat and Prevent Dehydration
- Hypotonic Solutions (0.225% or 0.45% NaCl)
- Sodium Restriction
- Diuretics
2 mins
Hypokalemia
- Assessment
- < 3.5 mEq/L
- Muscle Weakness
- Arrhythmia
- U Wave
- Ileus
- Hyporeflexia
- Interventions
- IV K+ Infusion at 5-10 mEq/hr
- Give Orally with Food
- Nursing Considerations
- Monitor Respiratory Status
3 mins
Hyperkalemia
- Assessment
- > 5.0 mEq/L K+
- Abdominal Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Arrhythmia
- Tall, Peaked T Waves
- Interventions
- IV Calcium
- Infusion of Glucose and Insulin
- Loop or Thiazide Diuretics
- Kayexalate
- Dialysis
- Prevention Education
2 mins
Hypocalcemia
- Muscle Spasms
- Assessment
- < 8.5 mg/dL Ca2+
- Decreased Bone Density
- Tetany
- Chvostek's Sign
- Trousseau's Sign
- Increased DTR
- ECG Changes
- QT Prolongation
- Considerations
- Oral and IV Replacement of Ca2+
- Seizure Precautions
2 mins
Hypomagnesemia
- Assessment
- Confusion
- Increased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
- Neuromuscular Irritability
- Seizures
- Muscle Cramps
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
- Interventions
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Foods High in Magnesium
1 min
Hypermagnesemia
- Assessment
- Flushing
- Lethargy
- Muscle Weakness
- Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
- Decreased Respirations
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Interventions
- Dialysis
- IV Calcium Gluconate
- Diuretics
- Avoid Antacids and Laxatives containing Mg2+
2 mins
Respiratory Acidosis Assessment
- Assessment
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Increased PaCO2 > 45
- Reduced Respirations
- Anxiety
- Change in LOC
- Tachycardia
- Cyanosis
- Increased Electrolytes
- ECG Changes
- Muscle Weakness
- Hyporeflexia
2 mins
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
- Improve Respiration
- Pharmacologic Interventions
- Bronchodilators
- Respiratory Stimulants
- Drug Antagonists
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions
- Oxygen
- Assisted Ventilation
- Prevent Complications
1 min
Respiratory Alkalosis Assessment
- Assessment
- Increased pH > 7.45
- Decreased PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
- Hyperventilation
- Brainstem Stimulation
- Head Injury
- Shock
- Lightheadedness
- Tingling Lips or Fingers
- Trousseau's
- Chvostek's Sign
- Anxiety
2 mins
Respiratory Alkalosis Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Mechanically Ventilated Patients
- Decrease Tidal Volume and/or Respiratory Rate
- Give Adequate Pain Control and Sedation
- Hyperventilation Syndrome
- Rebreathing into Paper Bag
- Sedatives
- Antidepressants
- Considerations
- Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
- Correct CO2 Slowly
2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Assessment
- Characteristics
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Decreased HCO3 < 22
- Signs & Symptoms
- Abdominal Pain
- CNS Depression
- Coma
- Hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Increased Respirations
- Kussmaul Respirations
- Flushed, Warm, Dry Skin
- Muscle Weakness
2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
- Interventions
- Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Considerations
- Follow ABGs
- Continuously Monitor Patient
2 mins
Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment
- Signs and Symptoms
- Increased pH > 7.45
- Increased HCO3 > 26
- Excitable State
- Arrhythmias
- Paresthesias
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Decreased Respiratory Effort
1 min
Metabolic Alkalosis Interventions
- Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Stop Potassium (K+) Wasting Diuretics
- Spironolactone
- Acetazolamide
- IV Fluids
- Sodium Chloride
- Replace Potassium (K+)
- Considerations
- Monitor Respiratory Rate
- Monitor Heart Rate
- Seizure Precautions
2 mins
Cardiac Catheterization
- Considerations
- Fluttering Sensation
- Contrast Media
- NPO 6-12 Hours
- After Procedure
- Bed Rest
- Assess Circulation
- Assess for Bleeding
- Monitor Vital Signs
2 mins
Blood Types
- Allele A is Dominant
- Allele B is Dominant
- Allele O is Recessive
- Genotypes AA and AO have Type A Blood
- Genotypes BB and BO have Type B Blood
- Genotype AB is co-dominant and has Type AB Blood
- Genotype OO Results in Type O Blood
2 mins
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- Mechanism
- Nutrition Given Outside GI
- Side Effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperlipidemia
- Refeeding Syndrome
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Considerations
- Slow IV Infusion
- Use Large Central Vein
- No Added Meds to TPN Line
2 mins
