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Understanding Pathophysiology, 7th Ed., Huether, McCance, Brashers, & Rote
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5 - Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases

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Understanding Pathophysiology, 7th Ed., Huether, McCance, Brashers, & Rote | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

5 - Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases
33 Picmonics to Learn | 58 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
Types of Blood Products
Types
Whole Blood
Packed Red Blood Cells
Fresh Frozen Plasma
Immunoglobulins
Clotting Factors
Albumin
Platelets
Considerations
Use within 24 Hours
Washing Removes Antibodies
Irradiation Destroys WBCs
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2 mins
Blood Types and Compatibilities
ABO Compatibility
No Antigens (Type O Blood)
Universal Donor
A Antigen (Type A Blood)
B Antigen (Type B Blood)
AB Antigen (Type AB Blood)
Universal Recipient
Rhesus (Rh) Compatibility
Rh (Rhesus) Antigen
Never Rh+ to Rh-
Considerations
Blood Transfusion
Obstetric Patient
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2 mins
Blood Transfusion Administration
Proper Patient Identification
Large Bore Needle
Y Tubing
Baseline Vital Signs
Slow IV Infusion
Monitor During First 15 Minutes or 50 mL of Blood
Monitor for Reactions
Considerations
Do Not Add Anything To Same IV Line
No Dextrose or Lactated Ringers
Jehovah's Witnesses, No Transfusions
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3 mins
Transfusion Reactions
Acute Hemolytic
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic
Mild Allergic
Anaphylactic
Circulatory Overload
Sepsis Reaction
Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
Massive Blood Transfusion
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2 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
Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value
1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
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28 secs
Phosphate (PO43-) Lab Value
2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
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29 secs
Potassium (K+) Lab Value
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
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20 secs
Sodium (Na+) Lab Value
135-145 mEq/L
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24 secs
Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value
8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
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26 secs
Chloride (Cl-) Lab Value
95-105 mEq/L
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28 secs
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
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 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
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
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
Hypercalcemia Causes
Two CHIMPANZEES Acronym
Thyroid Disorders
Calcium Supplements
Hyperparathyroidism
Iatrogenic (Drugs, immobility)
Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Paget's Disease of Bone
Acromegaly or Addison's Disease
Neoplasms
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Excessive Vitamin A
Excessive Vitamin D
Sarcoidosis
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2 mins
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
Hypercalcemia Treatments
Treat Underlying Disorder
Hydration
Dialysis
Calcium Restriction
Bisphosphonates
Calcitonin
Cinacalcet
Glucocorticosteroids
Denosumab
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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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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

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