Fluid and Electrolytes Overview

Importance

• Balance of fluid & electrolytes is crucial for maintaining life.
• 70% of the human body is water.
• Functions of water: nutrient transport, oxygen transport, major component of blood.

Key Electrolytes

• Six main electrolytes: Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphate, Magnesium.
• Electrolytes in blood produce electrical charges crucial for signaling.

Functions of Electrolytes

• Muscle contraction.
• Nerve impulses.
• Bone creation.
• Fluid balance via osmosis.
• Acid-base balance in blood.

Electrolyte Imbalance Effects

• Abnormal muscle contraction and EKG findings.

Maintaining Electrolyte Balance

Sources

• Primarily through food and drink.
• Absorption mainly occurs in the gut.

Kidney Role

• Filtration and reabsorption of electrolytes.
• Nephrons adjust electrolyte balance, excess excreted in urine.
• Kidney problems can lead to high electrolyte levels.

Additional Influences

• Diuretics can cause imbalances.
• Loss through trauma, burns, vomiting, diarrhea, or medical procedures.
• Hormonal factors (Aldosterone, ADH).

Electrolytes in Detail

Sodium (Na)

• Roles: Water balance, muscle contraction, nerve impulses.
• Normal Range: 135-145 mEq/L
• Imbalance:
  • Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L): Causes include inadequate sodium intake, diuretics, GI loss.
    • Symptoms: Seizures, stupor, abdominal cramping, lethargy, confusion.
  • Hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L): Causes include excessive sodium intake, dehydration, hormonal changes.
    • Symptoms: Fatigue, restlessness, increased reflexes, extreme thirst.

Chloride (Cl)

• Roles: Acid-base balance, digestion, fluid balance.
• Normal Range: 95-105 mEq/L
• Imbalance:
  • Hypochloremia: Often accompanies hyponatremia.
    • Causes: GI loss, diuretics, cystic fibrosis.
    • Symptoms: Similar to hyponatremia.
  • Hyperchloremia: Similar causes to hypernatremia.
    • Symptoms: Similar to hypernatremia and acidosis.

Potassium (K)

• Roles: Muscle contraction, nerve impulses.
• Normal Range: 3.5-5 mEq/L
• Imbalance:
  • Hypokalemia: Caused by diuretics, corticosteroids, insulin.
    • Symptoms: Lethargy, shallow respiration, dysrhythmias.
  • Hyperkalemia: Caused by tissue damage, renal failure.
    • Symptoms: Muscle weakness, respiratory failure, heart rhythm changes.

Calcium (Ca)

• Roles: Bone health, muscle/nerve conduction, clotting.
• Normal Range: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
• Imbalance:
  • Hypocalcemia: Caused by low parathyroid hormone, vitamin D deficiency.
    • Symptoms: Convulsions, arrhythmias, muscle spasms.
  • Hypercalcemia: Caused by overactive parathyroid, excess vitamin D.
    • Symptoms: Weakness, EKG changes, kidney stones.

Magnesium (Mg)

• Roles: Nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation.
• Normal Range: 1.5-2.5 mg/dL
• Imbalance:
  • Hypomagnesemia: Caused by poor intake, malabsorption.
    • Symptoms: Muscle twitching, increased reflexes, arrhythmias.
  • Hypermagnesemia: Rare, often due to medical correction.
    • Symptoms: Lethargy, EKG changes, diminished reflexes.

Phosphate (PO4)

• Roles: Bone and teeth health, energy production.
• Normal Range: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
• Imbalance:
  • Hypophosphatemia: Caused by antacids, malnutrition.
    • Symptoms: Bone pain, fractures, neuro changes.
  • Hyperphosphatemia: Caused by renal failure, excessive supplements.
    • Symptoms: Convulsions, muscle spasms, itching.

Review and Further Study

• Access the complete playlist for detailed information on individual electrolyte imbalances and interventions.
• Check out quizzes to test knowledge on fluid and electrolyte imbalances.