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Fundamentals of Nursing
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Electrolyte Imbalances

Master Electrolyte Imbalance with Mnemonics

Confused by electrolyte imbalances? Ditch the dry content and unlock a fun way to learn! Picmonic uses catchy mnemonics, ECG changes & nursing interventions to make electrolytes stick. Master imbalances with ease!

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Fundamentals of Nursing | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Electrolyte Imbalances
12 Picmonics to Learn | 24 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
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

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