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Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Ed., Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper & Bucher
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16 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

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Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Ed., Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper & Bucher | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

16 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances
35 Picmonics to Learn | 1 hr 7 mins
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
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2 mins
Prednisone (Glucocorticoids)
Mechanism
Glucocorticoid
Indications
Inflammatory Conditions
Organ Transplant Rejection
Side Effects
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cushing's Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Immunosuppression
Hyperglycemia
Ulcers
Considerations
Adrenal Insufficiency
Taper Gradually
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2 mins
Adrenal Gland (Advanced)
Characteristics
Adrenal Cortex
Zona Glomerulosa
Aldosterone
Zona Fasciculata
Cortisol
Zona Reticularis
Androgens
Adrenal Medulla
Chromaffin Cells
Epinephrine & Norepinephrine
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2 mins
Adrenal Gland (Basic)
Characteristics
Adrenal Cortex
RAAS Stimulates Aldosterone
CRF (CRH) acts on Anterior Pituitary Gland to Release ACTH
Cortisol Released
Androgens Released
Adrenal Medulla
Epinephrine & Norepinephrine
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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
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2 mins
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)
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2 mins
Influenza
Assessment
High Fever
Cough
Headache
Muscle Aches
Chills
Intervention
Vaccination
Drug Therapy
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
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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
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3 mins
Loop Diuretics
Mechanism of Action
Thick Ascending Limb of Loop of Henle
Inhibits Na+-K+-2Cl-
Sulfa Drug
Drug Names
Furosemide
Lasix
Side Effects
Ototoxicity from Rapid Injection
Gout
Dehydration
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
Orthostatic Hypotension
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2 mins
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Mechanism of Action
Increases Inotropy
Indications
Heart Failure
Atrial Fibrillation
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Contraindications
Heart Block
Nursing Considerations
Heart Rate Below 60
Hypokalemia
Monitor for Toxicity and Visual Changes
Digibind
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2 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
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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
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2 mins
Acute Digoxin Toxicity
Clinical Symptoms
Hyperkalemia
Cholinergic (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea)
Blurry Yellow Green Vision with Halo of Light
Arrhythmia
Bradycardia
EKG Changes
Prolonged PR interval
Decreased QT
Scooping on EKG
T Wave Inversion
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2 mins
Thyroid Gland
Characteristics
TSH Stimulates T3 and T4 Release
Metabolism Regulation
Blood Calcium Sensor
Calcitonin Release
Blood Calcium Decreases
Bone Building
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2 mins
Parathyroid Gland
Characteristics
Blood Calcium Sensor
Parathyroid Hormone
Bone Resorption
Blood Calcium Increases
Vitamin D Activation
Calcium Absorption From The Small Intestine
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1 min
Hypercalcemia
Assessment
> 10.5 mg/dL Ca2+
Pathologic Fractures
Lethargy
Hypercoagulation
Constipation
ECG Changes
QT Shortening
Interventions
No Calcium Intake
Chelating Drugs
Calcitonin
Bisphosphonates
Loop Diuretics instead of Thiazide Diuretics
Considerations
Increased Risk for Renal Calculi
Increase Fluids
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3 mins
Hypocalcemia Causes
Hypoalbuminemia
Hypomagnesemia (Less Common Hypermagnesemia)
Hypovitaminosis D
Hypoparathyroidism
Medications
Hyperphosphatemia
Malnutrition
Acute Pancreatitis
Alkalosis
Sepsis
Chronic Kidney Disease
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2 mins
Hypocalcemia Treatments
Characteristics
Treat Underlying Disorder
Acute Treatments
IV Calcium Gluconate
Cardioprotective
Chronic Treatments
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Citrate
Vitamin D Supplements
Considerations
Treat Hypomagnesemia
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2 mins
Eclampsia
Mechanism of Action
Increased Central Nervous System Irritability
Signs and Symptoms
Hyperreflexia
Positive Ankle Clonus
Headaches
Visual Disturbances
Epigastric or RUQ Pain
Seizures
Coma
Considerations
Don't Leave Bedside
Magnesium Sulfate
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2 mins
Magnesium Sulfate
Mechanism
Muscle Relaxant
Indications
Preterm Labor Contractions
Preeclampsia
Side Effects
Warm Feeling
Hypotension
Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRS)
Decreased Respiratory Rate
Decreased Urine Output
Paralytic Ileus
Antidote
Calcium Gluconate
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2 mins
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+
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2 mins
How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders
pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Step 1
pH
Acidosis
Alkalosis
Step 2
pCO₂
Opposite Direction as pH
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Step 3
HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Same Direction as pH
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
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3 mins
Hypomagnesemia
Assessment
Confusion
Increased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
Neuromuscular Irritability
Seizures
Muscle Cramps
Tremors
Insomnia
Tachycardia
Interventions
Magnesium Sulfate
Foods High in Magnesium
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1 min
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
Improve Respiration
Pharmacologic Interventions
Bronchodilators
Respiratory Stimulants
Drug Antagonists
Nonpharmacologic Interventions
Oxygen
Assisted Ventilation
Prevent Complications
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1 min
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
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2 mins
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
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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
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1 min
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
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2 mins
IV Solutions
Hypotonic (< 280 mOsm/L)
1/4 Normal Saline (0.225% NaCl)
1/2 Normal Saline (0.45% NaCl)
Isotonic (280-300 mOsm)
Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
Lactated Ringer's (LR)
Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
Hypertonic (> 300 mOsm)
3% or 5% NaCl
Dextrose 5% in 0.45% NaCl
Dextrose 10% in Water (D10W)
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3 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
Sedatives
Antidepressants
Considerations
Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
Calming Breathing Exercises
Correct CO2 Slowly
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2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
Interventions
Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
Treat Underlying Cause
Sodium Bicarbonate
Considerations
Follow ABGs
Continuously Monitor Patient
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2 mins
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
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2 mins
Pneumothorax
Mechanism
Air Enters Pleural Space
Assessment
Sudden Dyspnea
Absent or Restricted Movement on Affected Side
Decreased or Absent Breath Sounds on Affected Side
Chest Pain
Tracheal Deviation
Vital Sign Changes
Crepitus
Considerations
High Fowler's Position With Oxygen
Prepare For Chest Tube Placement
Educate High Risk Patients
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2 mins
Pulmonary Embolism Causes
Causes
FAT BAT Mnemonic
Fat
Air
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Bacteria
Amniotic Fluid
Tumor
Risk Factors
Hypercoagulable
Central Venous Lines
Immobilized
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1 min
Pulmonary Embolism Assessment
Assessment
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Pleuritic Chest Pain
Tachypnea
Hemoptysis
Hypoxemia
Considerations
Sudden Death
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52 secs

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