NCLEX-Style Questions on Electrolyte Imbalances

NCLEX-Style Questions on Electrolyte Imbalances Desiree_Foster Created 18/10/24 Save Share Electrolyte Imbalances and Their Clinical Manifestations Hypermagnesemia Addison’s Disease and Electrolyte Imbalances Hypocalcemia Signs and Symptoms Hypermagnesemia is characterized by elevated magnesium levels in the blood, often leading to neuromuscular and central nervous system depression.• Symptoms include bradycardia, hypotension, and diminished deep tendon reflexes, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.• Common causes include renal failure, excessive intake of magnesium-containing medications, and adrenal insufficiency.• Treatment typically involves the administration of calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac function and diuretics to promote magnesium excretion.• Addison’s disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands leading to insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.• Patients often experience hyperkalemia due to decreased aldosterone, which normally promotes potassium excretion.• Symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating close monitoring of potassium levels.• Management may involve glucocorticoid replacement therapy and dietary modifications to manage potassium levels.• Hypocalcemia is defined as low calcium levels in the blood, leading to increased neuromuscular excitability.• Give it a go

Fluid Volume Status and Laboratory Findings Fluid Volume Deficit Fluid Volume Excess Acid-Base Imbalances and Their Causes Metabolic Acidosis Classic signs include Trousseau’s sign (carpopedal spasm) and Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching upon tapping the facial nerve).• Symptoms may also include muscle cramps, confusion, and seizures, indicating severe deficiency.• Treatment often involves calcium supplementation and addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency.• Fluid volume deficit can lead to hemoconcentration, resulting in increased serum sodium and hematocrit levels.• Common laboratory findings include increased serum sodium and BUN, while urine output may decrease due to compensatory mechanisms.• Symptoms may include dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and hypotension, indicating dehydration.• Management includes fluid replacement with isotonic solutions and monitoring vital signs closely.• Fluid volume excess can lead to complications such as heart failure and pulmonary edema due to increased workload on the heart.• Symptoms may include edema, hypertension, and shortness of breath, necessitating careful assessment.• Laboratory findings may show decreased serum sodium concentration due to dilutional effects.• Treatment often involves diuretics to promote fluid excretion and dietary sodium restriction.• Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate levels or an increase in acid production, leading to a lower pH.•

Respiratory Acidosis Nursing Interventions and Priorities Nursing Interventions for Electrolyte Imbalances Prioritizing Nursing Care Common causes include diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, and lactic acidosis, each requiring specific management strategies.• Symptoms may include confusion, lethargy, and deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to compensate.• Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include insulin therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis.• Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough CO2, leading to increased carbonic acid in the blood.• Causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory depression, and airway obstruction.• Symptoms may include confusion, lethargy, and headache, indicating elevated CO2 levels.• Management may involve improving ventilation and oxygenation, possibly through mechanical ventilation in severe cases.• For hyperkalemia, priority interventions include monitoring cardiac rhythm and administering calcium gluconate to protect the heart.• In cases of hypokalemia, close monitoring of cardiac function is essential due to the risk of arrhythmias.• For hypercalcemia, encouraging ambulation can help reduce calcium reabsorption from bones, lowering serum levels.• In managing hyponatremia, monitoring for neurological changes is crucial due to the risk of cerebral edema.• The priority nursing intervention for suspected hypernatremia is to administer isotonic IV fluids to correct fluid balance.• In cases of dehydration, monitoring for hypernatremia is essential as it often accompanies fluid loss.• For patients with metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged gastric suctioning, restoring electrolyte balance and hydration is key.• Outline Quick reference

This product is enhanced with AI and may provide incorrect or problematic content. Please report any content that needs review.Study this material Continuous assessment of vital signs and laboratory values is critical in managing patients with electrolyte imbalances.• Flashcards Practice questions