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Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Potter, Perry, Stockert & Hall, 2017
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42 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

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Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Potter, Perry, Stockert & Hall, 2017 | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

42 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
46 Picmonics to Learn | 1 hr 27 mins
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
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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)
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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)
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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
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
Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value
8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
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26 secs
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 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
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 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
Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value
1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
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28 secs
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
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
pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value
Blood
7.35 - 7.45
Urine
4.0 - 8.0
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1 min
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
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2 mins
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
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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
Sedatives
Antidepressants
Considerations
Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
Calming Breathing Exercises
Correct CO2 Slowly
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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
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2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
Interventions
Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
Treat Underlying Cause
Sodium Bicarbonate
Considerations
Follow ABGs
Continuously Monitor Patient
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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
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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
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2 mins
How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders
pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Step 1
pH
Acidosis
Alkalosis
Step 2
pCO₂
Opposite Direction as pH
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Step 3
HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Same Direction as pH
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
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3 mins
Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment
Assessment
Change in LOC
Personality Changes
Amnesia
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Diplopia
Posturing
Location of Injury
Basilar Skull Fracture
Halo or Ring Sign
Considerations
Intracranial Bleeding
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2 mins
Types of Burns
Superficial Thickness
Sunburn
Superficial Partial Thickness
Blisters
Blanching
Deep Partial Thickness
Little or Non-blanching
Full Thickness
Waxy White, Yellow or Black
Decreased Pain
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2 mins
Prednisone (Glucocorticoids)
Mechanism
Glucocorticoid
Indications
Inflammatory Conditions
Organ Transplant Rejection
Side Effects
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cushing's Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Immunosuppression
Hyperglycemia
Ulcers
Considerations
Adrenal Insufficiency
Taper Gradually
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2 mins
Loop Diuretic Education
Furosemide (Lasix)
Indications
Heart Failure
Pulmonary Edema
Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
Edema
Education
Notify the provider of weakness, dizziness, or muscle cramping
Increase Potassium Intake
Check BP Daily
Daily Weights and Monitor IandOs
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1 min
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
"-pril" Suffix
Mechanism of Action
Block Renin Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Dry Non-productive Cough
Hypotension
Dizziness
Possible Hyperkalemia
Angioedema
Nursing Considerations
Slowly Change Position
Do Not Stop Abruptly
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2 mins
NSAIDs
Indications
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Fever
Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Mechanism of Action
Reversible Inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2
Block Prostaglandin Synthesis
Side Effects
Interstitial Nephritis
Gastric Ulcer
Renal Ischemia
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1 min
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Mechanisms
Inhibition of Aldosterone
Potassium Retention
Indications
Hypertension
Edema
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Hyperkalemia
Endocrine Effects
Consideration
Avoid Potassium Supplements
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2 mins
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Overview
Indications
Depression
Anxiety
Mechanism of Action
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Drugs
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Side Effects
Sexual Dysfunction
Serotonin Syndrome
Treat with Cyproheptadine
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2 mins
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Indications
Indications
Major Depression
Bedwetting
Fibromyalgia
OCD
Drugs
-Iptyline or -Ipramine Suffix
Amitriptyline
Desipramine
Clomipramine
Imipramine
Nortriptyline
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2 mins
Penicillin
Mechanism of Action
Weakens Cell Wall
Indications
Gram-Positive Infections
Prophylaxis
Side Effects
Pain at IM Injection Site
Allergic Reaction
Considerations
Skin Tests
Allergy ID
Medication Education
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2 mins
Types of Heart Failure
Left Sided
Pulmonary Congestion
Right Sided
Peripheral Edema
High Output
Unable to Meet Metabolic Needs
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1 min
Burns Considerations
Maintain Body Temperature
Increased Risk of Infection
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis
Curling's Ulcer
Excision and Grafting
Adequate Nutrition
Contractures
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2 mins
COPD Overview (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview)
Causes
Inhaled Toxins
Smoking
AAT Deficiency
Assessment
Emphysema
Chronic Bronchitis
Asthma
Considerations
Spirometry
Slow Progression
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2 mins
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Mechanism
Nutrition Given Outside GI
Side Effects
Hyperglycemia
Hyperlipidemia
Refeeding Syndrome
Nausea and Vomiting
Considerations
Slow IV Infusion
Use Large Central Vein
No Added Meds to TPN Line
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2 mins
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Cause/Mechanism
IV Catheter Irritation
Assessment
Erythema
Cord-like Vein
Edema
Interventions
Remove IV Catheter
Elevate
Warm Compress
Considerations
Rotate Sites Q3 Days
Aseptic Technique
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2 mins
Types of Blood Products
Types
Whole Blood
Packed Red Blood Cells
Fresh Frozen Plasma
Immunoglobulins
Clotting Factors
Albumin
Platelets
Considerations
Use within 24 Hours
Washing Removes Antibodies
Irradiation Destroys WBCs
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2 mins
Blood Types and Compatibilities
ABO Compatibility
No Antigens (Type O Blood)
Universal Donor
A Antigen (Type A Blood)
B Antigen (Type B Blood)
AB Antigen (Type AB Blood)
Universal Recipient
Rhesus (Rh) Compatibility
Rh (Rhesus) Antigen
Never Rh+ to Rh-
Considerations
Blood Transfusion
Obstetric Patient
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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
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3 mins
Transfusion Reactions
Acute Hemolytic
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic
Mild Allergic
Anaphylactic
Circulatory Overload
Sepsis Reaction
Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
Massive Blood Transfusion
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2 mins
Preeclampsia Interventions
Side Lying Position and Bedrest
Antihypertensives
Magnesium Sulfate
Labor Induction
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1 min
Sepsis Assessment
Signs and Symptoms
Systemic Infectious Process
Fever
Hypotension
Change in LOC
Increased WBC
Shift to the Left
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Hyperglycemia
Edema
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2 mins
Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Assessment
Microthrombi
DIC
Decreased Oxygen Saturation
Decreased WBC
Oliguria
High Output Heart Failure
Multiple Organ Failure
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2 mins
Anaphylaxis Intervention
Intervention
Assess Airway and Oxygen Needs
Reassure Patient with Anxiety
Supine Position
Methylprednisolone (Solu-medrol)
Epinephrine
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Medical Alert Bracelet
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2 mins

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