Electrolyte Imbalances  Sodium (Na+) Most abundant in the extracellular fluid Maintains water balance, transmits nerve impulses,

s, contracts muscles Values - 135-145 mEq/L k Hyponatremia GI losses, sweating, & diuretics S/S: anorexia, headache, nausea and vomiting, abdo. Cramping. k Hypernatremia Ingestion of large amounts S/S: Thirst, elevated body temp, swollen dry tongue, restlessness, hallucinations Potassium (K+) Major intracellular cation Regulates neuromuscular excitability, muscular contraction, and acid-base Value - 3.5 -5.3 mEq/L k Hypokalemia Causes: K+ wasting diuretics N/V/D polyuria S/S: fatigue, anorexia, N&V, muscle weakness k Hyperkalemia Causes: Renal failure S/S: muscle weakness, tachy to brady, flaccid paralysis, paresthesias  Calcium (Ca2+) Cardiac conduction, blood coagulation, bone growth and formation, & muscular relaxation Value - 4 - 5 mEq/L k Hypocalcemia Causes: Vitamin D deficiency S/S: Numb and tingling fingers and circumoral region, (+) Trousseau s sign, Chvostek s sign k Hypercalcemia Causes: osteoporosis, prolonged immobilization S/S: muscular weakness, constipation, anorexia, N&V, polyuria  Magnesium (Mg2+) Second most important of intracellular fluids Enzyme activities, muscular excitability Value - 1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L k Hypomagnesemia Causes: malnutrition and alcoholism polyuria S/S: neuromuscular irritability, (+) Trousseau s sign, Chvostek s sign k Hypermagnesemia Causes: Renal failure S/S: flushing, hypotension, muscle weakness, drowsiness