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Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett | 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

Sodium (Na+) Lab Value

135-145 mEq/L

24 secs

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

Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value

1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L

28 secs

Chloride (Cl-) Lab Value

95-105 mEq/L

28 secs

Phosphate (PO43-) Lab Value

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL

29 secs

pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value

Blood

7.35 - 7.45

Urine

4.0 - 8.0

1 min

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

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

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

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

Hypomagnesemia

Confusion

Increased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Neuromuscular Irritability

Seizures

Muscle Cramps

Tremors

Insomnia

Tachycardia

Magnesium Sulfate

Foods High in Magnesium

1 min

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

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

Respiratory Acidosis Interventions

Improve Respiration

Bronchodilators

Respiratory Stimulants

Drug Antagonists

Oxygen

Assisted Ventilation

Prevent Complications

1 min

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

2 mins

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

2 mins

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

2 mins

Metabolic Acidosis Interventions

Raise Plasma pH > 7.20

Treat Underlying Cause

Sodium Bicarbonate

Follow ABGs

Continuously Monitor Patient

2 mins

Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment

Increased pH > 7.45

Increased HCO3 > 26

Excitable State

Arrhythmias

Paresthesias

Muscle Cramps

Muscle Weakness

Decreased Respiratory Effort

1 min

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

2 mins

Cardiac Catheterization

Fluttering Sensation

Contrast Media

NPO 6-12 Hours

Bed Rest

Assess Circulation

Assess for Bleeding

Monitor Vital Signs

2 mins

Blood Types

Allele A is Dominant

Allele B is Dominant

Allele O is Recessive

Genotypes AA and AO have Type A Blood

Genotypes BB and BO have Type B Blood

Genotype AB is co-dominant and has Type AB Blood

Genotype OO Results in Type O Blood

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

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