Question

How would you explain fluid and electrolyte imbalances with Na+, K+, Mag+, Cl-, Ca+, P? And what would the signs and symptoms be if a person were to be hypo or hyper? And what would be the nursing interventions? (Not sure if you know, but I thought I would ask just in case.)

Thank you

Answer 1

The imbalance of Na⁺ in the body is called hypernatremia and hyponatremia. In hypernatremia the amount of Na⁺  is increased and it causes red, rosy, and waterbed skin. The person feels excess thirst and tongues dries. The muscle tone is increased in severe cases. In hyponatremia the level of Na⁺decreases in the body and the person feels depressed and deflated. It also cause respiratory arrest, tachycardia, and high heart rate.

The imbalance of K⁺ causes hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. K⁺ maintains heart and muscle functions. In hyperkalemia the concentration of K⁺ increases in the body and it causes tight and contracted heart which results in cardiac standstill, peaked T waves, hypotension, and low blood pressure. In hypokalemia flated T waves are observed. The muscular, and Gastrointestinal tract become slow resulting in muscular distension.

The Mg²⁺ maintain law and order in muscles. Its imbalance cause hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia. In hypermagnesemia which is increased concentration of Mg⁺ in body, causes calm and quiet cardiac system result in heart block, low blood pressure. It also causes depressed shallow respiration and hypoactive bowl movements. Hypomagnesemia results in buck wild heart rate, hyporeflexia, abnormal eye movement, and diarrhea.

Cl^- has similar function as Na⁺ in the body. Hypo and hyperchloremia has similar functions as low and high sodium respectively but hyperchloremia has fever which is a distinguishable feature.

Ca²⁺ is important for keeping strong the bone, blood clotting factors, and the heart beat. Hypercalcemia result in bone pain, renal calculi (stone in kidney), constipation, and muscle weakness. Hypercalcemia cause Trousseau's sign, chvostek's sign, and diarrhea. Risk factor of low calcium in body are bone fracture, bleeding, and cardiac disrhythimia.

Phosphate (Po_{3^-​​​​​​ ​​​​​​)} is important for bone and teeth formation and it regulates calcium. It works reverse to the calcium. Hyperphosphatemia is same as hypocalcemia. Hypophospatemia is same as Hypercalcemia. Respiration rate is decreased. Blood pressure decreases and muscle weakens.