Pharmacology for Nurses - A Pathophysiologic Approach, 6th Ed., Adams, Holland & Urban. | Practical Nurse (LPN) School Study Aid
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)
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
Hypernatremia
- > 145 mEq/L Na+
- Change in LOC
- Extreme Thirst
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Dry Flushed Skin
- Muscle Twitching
- Seizures
- Treat and Prevent Dehydration
- Hypotonic Solutions (0.225% or 0.45% NaCl)
- Sodium Restriction
- Diuretics
Hyponatremia
- < 135 mEq Na+
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Decreased LOC
- Confusion / Lethargy
- Seizures
- Assess Airway
- Reduce Diuretic Dosage
- Mannitol (Osmitrol)
- Fluid Restriction
- Hypertonic Solution (3% or 5% NaCl)
Hyperkalemia
- > 5.0 mEq/L K+
- Abdominal Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Arrhythmia
- Tall, Peaked T Waves
- IV Calcium
- Infusion of Glucose and Insulin
- Loop or Thiazide Diuretics
- Kayexalate
- Dialysis
- Prevention Education
Hypokalemia
- < 3.5 mEq/L
- Muscle Weakness
- Arrhythmia
- U Wave
- Ileus
- Hyporeflexia
- IV K+ Infusion at 5-10 mEq/hr
- Give Orally with Food
- Monitor Respiratory Status
Blood Acid-Base Control
- In a State of Acidemia
- Medullary Chemoreceptors Control Ventilation Rate
- Expulsion of CO2 through Lungs Increases pH
- Bicarbonate Reabsorption from the Kidney Increases pH
- Kidney Excretion of H+ Increases pH
How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders
- pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
- pH
- Acidosis
- Alkalosis
- pCO₂
- Opposite Direction as pH
- Respiratory Acidosis
- Respiratory Alkalosis
- HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
- Same Direction as pH
- Metabolic Acidosis
- Metabolic Alkalosis
Respiratory Acidosis Assessment
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Increased PaCO2 > 45
- Reduced Respirations
- Anxiety
- Change in LOC
- Tachycardia
- Cyanosis
- Increased Electrolytes
- ECG Changes
- Muscle Weakness
- Hyporeflexia
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
- Improve Respiration
- Bronchodilators
- Respiratory Stimulants
- Drug Antagonists
- Oxygen
- Assisted Ventilation
- Prevent Complications
Metabolic Acidosis Assessment
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Decreased HCO3 < 22
- Abdominal Pain
- CNS Depression
- Coma
- Hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Increased Respirations
- Kussmaul Respirations
- Flushed, Warm, Dry Skin
- Muscle Weakness
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
- Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Follow ABGs
- Continuously Monitor Patient
Respiratory Alkalosis 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
Respiratory Alkalosis Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Decrease Tidal Volume and/or Respiratory Rate
- Give Adequate Pain Control and Sedation
- Sedatives
- Antidepressants
- Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
- Calming Breathing Exercises
- Correct CO2 Slowly
Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment
- Increased pH > 7.45
- Increased HCO3 > 26
- Excitable State
- Arrhythmias
- Paresthesias
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Decreased Respiratory Effort
Metabolic Alkalosis Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Stop Potassium (K+) Wasting Diuretics
- Spironolactone
- Acetazolamide
- IV Fluids
- Sodium Chloride
- Replace Potassium (K+)
- Monitor Respiratory Rate
- Monitor Heart Rate
- Seizure Precautions