Electrolyte Functions & Effects of Abnormalities

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Describe effects of sodium abnormalities.
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Describe effects of sodium abnormalities.
Changes in sodium can cause neurological issues (up to and including seizures) due to altered tonicity causing swelling of brain cells (hyponatremia) and shrinking of brain cells (hypernatremia)
What does sodium concentration reflect about the body?
Alterations in sodium concentrations are often a reflection of the body's underlying fluid status rather than changes in the amount of total body salt.
What is the primary function of potassium?
cell repolarization, especially cardiac repolarization.
What would you expect to see on an EKG for a patient with hyperkalemia?
tall peaked t-waves
What should be your primary concern with hyperkalemia?
cardiac arrest due to the inability to properly repolarize
Describe risks and symptoms of hypokalemia
Hypokalemia makes the heart more irritable and prone to dysrhythmias (remember: lethal injections are a sedative + concentrated potassium). This will initially manifest as Premature Ventricular Contractions. You may also see muscle cramps.
Magnesium is clinically useful in OB/GYN for what purpose?
inhibiting labor
How does magnesium function in the body? With this in mind, what might you observe with abnormally high or low levels?
**Adequate magnesium is necessary to promote potassium absorption in the kidneys. Therefore, low magnesium may result in low potassium.

**Elevated magnesium levels will stabilize cell membranes, making depolarization less likely. This will manifest as decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes.

**Conversely, low magnesium levels will present as hyperactive reflexes and muscle spasms
Describe 3 primary roles of calcium in the body
cardiac conduction, blood clotting, and bone health
What signs/symptoms indicate hypocalcemia? What are risks associated with hypocalcemia?
**Hypocalcemia will manifest as muscle irritability, specifically Trousseau's and Chvostek's sign

**Long term hypocalcemia increases the risk of osteoporosis.

**Risk of bleeding due to impaired blood clotting
What are risks associated with hypercalcemia?**Initially causes increased heart rate and blood pressure but prolonged hypercalcemia will cause cardiac arrest **Long term hypercalcemia causes increased risk of kidney stones. **Risk of blood clotsDescribe the significance of phosphate levels.Phosphate is inversely related to calcium in the body. Therefore, hyperphosphatemia would present the same as hypocalcemia. Phosphate is required to synthesize ATP (energy!). This is especially important for respiratory muscle function.