Serum Electrolytes WKS

Please include your reference page at the end. Serum Electrolytes Potassium (K+) Reference Range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L What do they indicate? (Indications) Indication: Cardiac function, nerve impulse transmission, skeletal and smooth muscle function, acid-base balance, and kidney function indicators. Hypokalemia: ●​ Dysrhythmias (most serious) ●​ Flattened or inverted T waves ●​ Presence of U waves ●​ Weak, thready pulse ●​ Orthostatic hypotension ●​ Fatigue ●​ Lethargy ●​ Hypoactive bowel sounds ●​ Decreased motility ●​ Constipation ●​ Ileus (severe) ●​ Muscle weakness ●​ Cramps ●​ Decreased deep tendon reflexes ●​ Respiratory weakness (shallow respirations) Hyperkalemia: ●​ Dysrhythmias (most dangerous) ●​ Peaked T waves ●​ Widened QRS ●​ Ventricular fibrillation ●​ Cardiac arrest (severe) ●​ Muscle weakness ●​ Paralysis ●​ Paresthesias (tingling, numbness) ●​ Increased motility ●​ Diarrhea ●​ Abdominal cramping ●​ Restlessness → then weakness ●​ Oliguria if caused by renal failure Sodium (Na+) Jessica 136-145 mEq/L Indication: neurologic and neuromuscular functions, maintenance of blood pressure Hyponatremia: ●​ Nausea/vomiting, cerebral edema, lethargy, confusion, headache, irritability, muscle twitching, decreased level of consciousness, seizure, coma, orthostatic hypotension, hypothermia, increased GI motility, hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal cramping (ATI) Hypernatremia ●​ Dehydration, dry mucous membranes, edema, warm flushed Chloride (CI-) 98-106 mEq/L Calcium (Ca+) Daniela Total calcium: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL Ionized calcium: 4.5-5.6 mg/dL skin > hyperthermia, oliguria, confusion, lethargy, irritability, muscle twitching, changes in level of consciousness (i.e. coma, seizures) (ATI) Indication: maintains fluid balance, works with sodium to regulate osmotic pressure, helps regulate acid and base, essential for stomach acid (HCl) production Hypochloremia -​ s/s: muscle cramping -​ Twitching -​ Tetany -​ Hyperactive DTRs -​ Vomiting -​ Confusion -​ irritability -​ Weakness -​ Late stages can lead to coma and/or seizures Hyperchloremia_ -​ s/s: weakness -​ Lethargy -​ Deep, and rapid respirations -​ Linked with metabolic acidosis -​ Hypertension -​ Edema -​ Confusion -​ Tachypnea -​ Dysrhythmias -​ Increased thirst -​ fever Indication: Mineralization of bone, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, clotting of blood, hormone secretion, normal functioning of the heart Hypocalcemia - CARDIOVASCULAR: chest pain, dysrhythmias, heart failure, and syncope -NEUROMUSCULAR: Numbing and tingling of the fingers and toes, muscle cramping, spasms - Confusion, depression, psychosis, dementia, lethargy, seizures, personality changes - RESPIRATORY: Wheezing, spasms on larynx and airway, dysphagia, changes to voice -INTEGUMENTARY: Coarseness of the hair, alopecia, brittle nails, dry skin, itching -Vision difficulties and dental problems Hypercalcemia -GI: Constipation, abdominal pain, nausea & vomiting, anorexia -Confusion, behavioral changes, thirst, polyuria, bone pain, muscle weakness - Arrhythmias, delirium, coma, renal failure -Lethargy, malaise Phosphorus (P) 3.0-4.5 mg/dL Indication: Phosphorus contributes to bone strength, ATP energy production, and acid–base regulation. Hypophosphatemia Causes: Malnutrition, alcohol use disorder, refeeding syndrome Symptoms: Weakness, respiratory failure, decreased cardiac output Hyperphosphatemia: Causes: Renal failure, hypoparathyroidism​ Symptoms: Similar to hypocalcemia (tetany, spasms)​ Magnesium (Mg) 1.3-2.1 mEq/L Indication: Magnesium contributes to neuromuscular and cardiac function Hypomagnesemia: Increased reflexes, tremors, seizures, hypertension Hypermagnesemia: Decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia References Althoff, A., Cawley, M. E., Davis, S., Falk, S. M., Gearhart, M., Grace, L., Henry, N. J., Holman, H. C., Johnson, J., Lemon, T., Philips, B. C., Roland, P., & Assessment Technologies Institute (Contributors). (2023). Fundamentals for nursing: Review module (11th ed.). Assessment Technologies Institute. Assessment Technologies Institute. (2020). Fundamentals for nursing review module (11th ed.). ATI Nursing Education. Sagar, N., & Lohiya, S. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Chloride Management in Critically Ill Patients. Cureus, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55625