Electrolyte Imbalance Principal CATIONS: Na, K, Ca, Mg Principal ANIONS: Chloride, Phospate, Bicarbonate Life cannot be sustained unless

ess body fluids contains exactly the right amount of each in the right concentration within each of the fluid compartments No single electrolyte can be out of balance without causing other electrolytes to be out of balance also Na, K, Ca are necessary for passage of nerve impulses

Body Fluids Intracellular Fluid (ICF) 70% o Internal aqeous medium for cellular chemical function Extracellular Fluid (ECF) 30% o Maintain blood volume o Transport system to and from the cell Sodium (135-145mEq/L) Na must be present for glucose to be transported to the cells Controls ECF osmotic pressure Necessary for neuromuscular functioning, intracellular chemical reactions Maintains acid-base balance As Na is reabsorbed, water is also reabsorbed Daily requirements is minimum of 2g/day

Na Deficit (Hyponatremia) Na loss or water excess Etiology Treatment with diuretics Restricted Na intake Loss from GI or biliary drainage and draining fistulas Decreased aldosterone secretions (Addisons Disease) trapping of Na and water Edema, ascites, burns, or small bowel obstruction Diaphoresis - warm climate, exercise, fever, salt wasting nephritis

Assessment Headache Muscle weakness Fatigue Anorexia, nausea and vomiting

Na Excess (Hypernatremia) Na and water excess edema; excess Na in relation to water in ECF Etiology More water than Na is lost from the body (hyperventilation, diarrhea) High Na intake Salt tablets Rapid infusion of saline/IV Water deprivation Assessment Extreme thirst Dry mucous membrane Oliguria Fatigue Restlessness