Electrolyte Imbalances and Treatments

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What is the normal range for sodium levels?

Back

136-145 mEq/L

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What is hypernatremia and its symptoms?

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Hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L) is excess sodium intake. Symptoms include thirst, agitation, muscle weakness, and GI upset.

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How is hypernatremia treated?

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Treatment includes hypotonic IV fluids (0.45% NaCl) administered slowly to avoid cerebral edema or seizures, diuretics like furosemide, sodium intake restriction, and increased fluid intake.

Front

What is hyponatremia and its symptoms?

Back

Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) is low sodium levels. Symptoms include constipation, decreased deep tendon reflexes, kidney stones, lethargy, and weakness.

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How is hyponatremia treated?

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Treatment includes 0.9% NaCl, calcitonin, and dialysis for severe cases.

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What causes hypocalcemia and its symptoms?

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Causes include DKA, metabolic acidosis, salt substitutes, and kidney failure. Symptoms include dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, nausea, and vomiting.

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How is hypocalcemia treated?

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Treatment includes furosemide to remove potassium, kayexalate or insulin to shift potassium from ECF to ICF (with dextrose to prevent hypoglycemia), and reducing potassium-rich food intake.

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What causes hypokalemia and its symptoms?

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Causes include kidney disease, excess intake of antacids or laxatives. Symptoms include hypotension, lethargy, muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes, and respiratory or cardiac arrest.

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How is hypokalemia treated?

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Treatment includes furosemide or calcium to reverse cardiac effects.

Front

What causes hypomagnesemia and its symptoms?

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Causes include GI losses, diuretics, malnutrition, and alcohol abuse. Symptoms include dysrhythmias (torsades de pointes), tachycardia, hypertension, increased deep tendon reflexes, tremors, and seizures.