NUR 125 Hyper/Hypokalemia, Hyper/Hyponatremia Review Questions and Correct Answers

What are the 2 types of electrolytes? cations: positive Anions: negative What is the main function of sodium in the body? to regulate and balance water Maintain osmotic pressure and assist in acid base balance What is the main function of potassium in the body? nerve impulse transmission Muscle contraction Plasma Acid base balance What is the most abundant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid (ecf)? sodium, na+ What is a normal sodium level? 135-145 meq/l What hormone assists in regulating serum sodium balance? aldosterone What is hyponatremia? a serum sodium level less than 135 meq/l. What is hypernatremia? a serum sodium level that exceeds 145 meq/dl. What does a sodium level above 145 mean? they are hypernatremic What is a critical hypernatremic value? above 160 meq/l Which electrolyte imbalance is a result of: 1. Decreased water intake: poor thirst, fasting, npo 2. Increased water loss: watery diarrhea, fever, diaphoresis, hyperventilation, diabetes insipidus 3. Cushings syndrome sive sodium intake: oral or iv solutions y disease aldosteronism costeroids hypernatremia