Electrolytes and Electrolyte Imbalances

Overview

• Lecture by Maris on electrolytes and their imbalances.
• Based on 'Fundamentals of Nursing' flashcards.
• Important for nursing school exams, NCLEX, and clinical practice.

Calcium

• Normal Range: 9 to 10.5 MEQs/L
• Hypercalcemia: > 10.5 MEQs/L
  • Causes: Prolonged immobility, hyperparathyroidism
• Hypocalcemia: < 9 MEQs/L
  • Causes: Hypoparathyroidism, decreased vitamin D, diarrhea
  • Key Signs:
    • Positive Chevostek's sign (cheek muscle twitch)
    • Positive Trousseau's sign (arm spasm with blood pressure cuff)

Magnesium

• Normal Range: 1.3 to 2.1 MEQs/L
• Hypermagnesemia: > 2.1 MEQs/L
  • Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• Hypomagnesemia: < 1.3 MEQs/L
  • Increased deep tendon reflexes
  • Risk for seizures

Potassium

• Normal Range: 3.5 to 5 MEQs/L
• Hypokalemia: < 3.5 MEQs/L
• Hyperkalemia: > 5 MEQs/L
• Importance: Crucial for muscle function, especially the heart
  • Hint: "K is for cardiac" – assess cardiovascular status
• Critical to monitor cardiovascular abnormalities with potassium imbalances

Sodium

• Normal Range: 136 to 145 MEQs/L
• Hyponatremia: < 136 MEQs/L
  • Risk of seizures (consider seizure precautions)
• Hypernatremia: > 145 MEQs/L
• Importance: Regulates water and fluid balance
  • Symbol: Na (N for Neurological) – assess neurological status
  • Disruption affects fluid balance in the brain

Recommendations

• Consider obtaining the lab values deck for normal ranges and test information.
• Med-Surg deck recommended for in-depth understanding of fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.

Conclusion

• Upcoming video: Acid-base imbalances.
• Encouragement to subscribe, like, and comment on the video.