Electrolyte Normal Values Function Elevated Levels Deficient Levels

Sodium 136-145 mEq/L Skeletal and cardiac HYPERNATREMIA HYPONATREMIA

contraction and nerve thirst, hyperthermia, tachy-,
Serum Osmolarity: impulse transmission hypotension, restlessness,
270-300 mOsm/L irritability, muscle twitching,
decreased or absent DTR, sz, coma,
dry mucous membranes, N/V,
anorexia, occasional diarrhea,
increased urine specific gravity
Hypothermia, tachy- thready pulse,
hypotension, hypothermia,
diminished peripheral pulses,
headache, confusion, lethargy,
weakness, decreased DTR, sz,
lightheaded, dizzy, hyperactive
bowel sounds, ABD cramping,
nausea

Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Cell metabolism, nerve HYPERKALEMIA HYPOKALEMIA

impulses
Function of cardiac, lunch
and muscle tissues
Slow irregular pulse, hypotension,
restlessness, irritability, weakness,
paresthesia, diarrhea, hyperactive
bowel sounds, oliguria, premature
ventricular contractions, V-fib,
peaked T waves, widened QRS,
Hgb/Hct high with dehydration,
low with kidney failure, BUN:
increased with kidney failure,
metabolic acidosis with kidney
failure (pH < 7.35)
Hypotension, thready weak pulse,
AMS, anxiety, lethargy, hypoactive
bowel sounds, N/V, constipation,
abd distention, weakness, reduced
DTR, shallow breathing, flattened T
wave, prominent U waves, ST
depression, prolonged PR interval

Calcium 9.0-10.5 mg/dL Formation of bones, muscle HYPERCALCEMIA HYPOCALCEMIA

contractions, blood clotting,
nerve functioning
Increased thirst, frequent urination,
abd pain, nausea, vomiting,
constipation, weakness, confusion,
fatigue, lethargy, palpitation,
cardiac arrhythmia, fainting,
osteoporosis, kidney stones,
Tetany, paresthesia of the fingers and
lips, muscles twitches, sz, muscles
spasms, hyperactive DTR, positive
Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs,
prolonged QT wave and ST segment,
decreased myocardial contractility,
decreased HR and hypotension,
hyperactive bowel sounds
Magnesium 1.3-2.1 mEq/L Nerve and muscle function,
immune system, cardiac
muscle contraction, bone
strength, maintain blood
glucose levels, production of
energy
HYPERMAGNESEMIA
N/V, hypotension, flushing,
headache, difficulty breathing,
decreased DTRs, hyperactive bowel
sounds
HYPOMAGNESEMIA
Depressed mood, apathy, agitation,
increased nerve impulse
transmission (hyperactive DTRs,
paresthesia, muscle tetany, sz)
positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's
signs, hypoactive bowel sounds,
constipation, abd distention, paralytic
ileus