Study 1 Electrolyte Assessment and Nursing Priorities with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What should guide an initial nursing assessment of electrolyte imbalance?
Prioritize airway, breathing, circulation, mental status, and cardiac rhythm. Interpret results with symptoms, trends, volume status, intake and output, medications, and kidney function.
Which neurologic changes make hyponatremia urgent?
Severe or acute hyponatremia can cause seizures or coma. Treat new confusion, seizures, or declining consciousness as urgent; sodium correction requires close monitoring.
What does hypernatremia often indicate, and what should nursing care assess?
Hypernatremia often reflects too little body water relative to sodium. Assess neurologic and volume status, identify fluid losses, and monitor controlled water replacement as prescribed.
What are key signs and a critical administration precaution for hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia may cause weakness, cramps, constipation, and ECG changes such as flattened or depressed T waves and prominent U waves. Never administer IV potassium by IV push.
What ECG changes can occur with hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves may progress to PR prolongation, a wide QRS, loss of P waves, or a sine-wave pattern. A normal ECG does not rule out hyperkalemia.
What does IV calcium do—and not do—in hyperkalemia?
IV calcium stabilizes cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but does not lower the potassium level. Other prescribed therapies shift or remove potassium.
Why check magnesium when hypokalemia persists despite replacement?
Low magnesium can make hypokalemia difficult to correct. Check magnesium when potassium remains low despite replacement.
How can low albumin affect interpretation of total calcium?
Low albumin can make total calcium appear low without indicating low ionized calcium. Consider albumin and, when appropriate, measure ionized calcium.
What symptoms and ECG change can indicate hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia can cause tingling, cramps, hyperreflexia, tetany, or seizures; severe cases may prolong the QT interval. Assess symptoms and escalate severe findings.
What symptoms and ECG change may occur with hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia may cause constipation, nausea, thirst, frequent urination, weakness, or confusion. A shortened QT interval may occur.
What neuromuscular and cardiac effects can hypomagnesemia cause?
Hypomagnesemia may cause tremor, weakness, hyperreflexia, cramps, tetany, or seizures. Severe deficiency can prolong QT and contribute to ventricular dysrhythmias.
Which findings make hypermagnesemia a potential emergency?
Kidney failure or magnesium-containing products can contribute to hypermagnesemia. Diminished reflexes, hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression require urgent assessment and escalation.
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