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WorksheetsElectrolyte and Acid-Base Balance-Notecards
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
ECG changes seen in hypokalemia
Flat T waves, U waves, PVCs, dysrhythmias
Tall T waves, ST elevation, bradycardia
Inverted T waves, ST depression, tachycardia
Normal ECG, no changes observed
Common causes of hyperkalemia
Renal failure
Hypertension
Dehydration
Heart failure
Chloride is usually found with which electrolyte?
Potassium (KCl)
Calcium (CaCl2)
Sodium (NaCl)
Magnesium (MgCl2)
Life-threatening complication of hypocalcemia
Laryngospasm → airway obstruction
Cardiac arrest
Seizures
Muscle cramps
Most dangerous complication of potassium imbalance
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Electrolyte most associated with airway compromise
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
What comes first in combined electrolyte + acid–base imbalance?
ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
Electrolyte levels
Blood pH balance
Patient history
Which system controls PaCO₂?
Respiratory system (lungs)
Cardiovascular system (heart)
Endocrine system (glands)
Nervous system (brain)
Which compensation takes the longest?
Respiratory compensation (minutes)
Metabolic compensation (hours)
Renal compensation (24+ hours)
Hepatic compensation (days)
Best indicator of overall fluid balance
Daily weight
Urine output
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Normal chloride (Cl⁻) level
90–100 mEq/L
98–106 mEq/L
105–115 mEq/L
80–90 mEq/L
Causes of metabolic alkalosis
Vomiting, NG suction, potassium-wasting diuretics
Excessive fluid intake
Chronic kidney disease
Liver cirrhosis
Common causes of hypokalemia
Diuretics
Dehydration
Excessive salt intake
High potassium diet
Which compensation happens fastest?
Metabolic compensation
Respiratory compensation
Cardiovascular compensation
Neurological compensation
Normal calcium (Ca²⁺) level
7.0–8.5 mg/dL
8.6–10.2 mg/dL
10.3–12.0 mg/dL
6.5–7.9 mg/dL
Normal potassium (K⁺) level
2.5–3.0 mEq/L
3.5–5.0 mEq/L
4.0–6.0 mEq/L
5.5–7.0 mEq/L
Why does respiratory alkalosis worsen hypocalcemia?
Increased calcium binding to albumin
Decreased calcium absorption in the intestines
Increased renal excretion of calcium
Increased calcium release from bones
ABG pattern for respiratory alkalosis
↑ pH, ↓ PaCO₂
↓ pH, ↑ PaCO₂
↑ pH, ↑ PaCO₂
↓ pH, ↓ PaCO₂
Relationship between calcium and phosphorus
Direct relationship (↑ Ca → ↑ Phos)
No relationship
Inverse relationship (↑ Phos → ↓ Ca)
Proportional relationship (↑ Ca ↔ ↑ Phos)
Signs of hyperchloremia
Dehydration, weakness, deep/rapid respirations
Nausea, vomiting, headache
Fatigue, muscle cramps, fever
Dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain
