💦
DIVE INTO LEARNING SALE GET 35% OFF

Leslie Shared "Fundamentals Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-base Imbalances" - 12 Picmonics

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing. Whether you're studying for your classes or getting ready for a big exam, we're here to help.

Fundamentals Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-base Imbalances

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
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
3 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)
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
Improve Respiration
Pharmacologic Interventions
Bronchodilators
Respiratory Stimulants
Drug Antagonists
Nonpharmacologic Interventions
Oxygen
Assisted Ventilation
Prevent Complications
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
Interventions
Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
Treat Underlying Cause
Sodium Bicarbonate
Considerations
Follow ABGs
Continuously Monitor Patient
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
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
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins

Ace Your Registered Nurse (RN) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,920,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Registered Nurse (RN) student study app.

Picmonic for Registered Nurse (RN) covers information that is relevant to your entire Registered Nurse (RN) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer your NCLEX®-RN, Hesi, ATI, TEAS test, Kaplan exams, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Registered Nurse (RN) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.

It's worth every penny