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Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th Ed., Potter, Perry, Stockert & Hall, 2013 | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Normal Electrolyte Lab Values

Potassium (K⁺)

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL

Phosphate (PO₄^3–)

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

2 mins

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

3 mins

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)

2 mins

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

2 mins

Hypocalcemia

Muscle Spasms

< 8.5 mg/dL Ca2+

Decreased Bone Density

Tetany

Chvostek's Sign

Trousseau's Sign

Increased DTR

ECG Changes

QT Prolongation

Oral and IV Replacement of Ca2+

Seizure Precautions

2 mins

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Nutrition Given Outside GI

Hyperglycemia

Hyperlipidemia

Refeeding Syndrome

Nausea and Vomiting

Slow IV Infusion

Use Large Central Vein

No Added Meds to TPN Line

2 mins

How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders

pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)

Acidosis

Alkalosis

pCO₂

Opposite Direction as pH

Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory Alkalosis

HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)

Same Direction as pH

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic Alkalosis

3 mins

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

2 mins

Potassium (K+) Lab Value

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

20 secs

Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value

8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL

26 secs

Phosphate (PO43-) Lab Value

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL

29 secs

Chloride (Cl-) Lab Value

95-105 mEq/L

28 secs

Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value

1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L

28 secs

Magnesium Sulfate

Muscle Relaxant

Preterm Labor Contractions

Preeclampsia

Warm Feeling

Hypotension

Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRS)

Decreased Respiratory Rate

Decreased Urine Output

Paralytic Ileus

Calcium Gluconate

2 mins

pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value

Blood

7.35 - 7.45

Urine

4.0 - 8.0

1 min

COPD Overview (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview)

Inhaled Toxins

Smoking

AAT Deficiency

Emphysema

Chronic Bronchitis

Asthma

Spirometry

Slow Progression

2 mins

Rule of 9's for Burns

Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)

Head

Chest

Abdomen

Upper Back

Lower Back

Posterior Leg (each)

Anterior Leg (each)

Each Arm

Genitalia 1%

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

Do Not Add Anything To Same IV Line

No Dextrose or Lactated Ringers

Jehovah's Witnesses, No Transfusions

3 mins

Hypomagnesemia

Confusion

Increased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Neuromuscular Irritability

Seizures

Muscle Cramps

Tremors

Insomnia

Tachycardia

Magnesium Sulfate

Foods High in Magnesium

1 min

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

2 mins

Sodium (Na+) Lab Value

135-145 mEq/L

24 secs

Hypermagnesemia

Flushing

Lethargy

Muscle Weakness

Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Decreased Respirations

Bradycardia

Hypotension

Dialysis

IV Calcium Gluconate

Diuretics

Avoid Antacids and Laxatives containing Mg²⁺

2 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)

3 mins

Hypercalcemia

> 10.5 mg/dL Ca²⁺

Pathologic Fractures

Lethargy

Hypercoagulation

Constipation

ECG Changes

QT Shortening

No Calcium Intake

Chelating Drugs

Calcitonin

Bisphosphonates

Loop Diuretics instead of Thiazide Diuretics

Increased Risk for Renal Calculi

Increase Fluids

3 mins

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