Nursing Entrance Exam

Nursing Preparation Study Guide There are seven major electrolytes found in the human body. These include: 1. Sodium (Na + ): Responsible for controlling the total amount of water in the body, helps regulate blood volume, and helps to maintain muscle and nerve function. Too much sodium results in dehydration (hypernatremia) and will leave the individual feeling weak, lethargic, and in severe cases, can cause seizures or lead to a coma. Too little sodium (hyponatremia) is often caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms include headache, confusion, fatigue, hallucinations, and muscle spasms. 2. Chloride (Cl-): Found primarily in extracellular fluid and helps the body to maintain proper balance and pressure. Too much chloride is known as hyperchloremia and too little is known as hypochloremia. Both conditions are rare and are usually caused by other electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms can include respiratory difficulties 3. Potassium (K + ): Responsible for regulating heartbeat and muscle function. Toxicity (hyperkalemia) is uncommon, but fatal if not treated quickly (this is what is used for lethal injections). Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, paralysis of the lungs, and cardiac arrest. A potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) is more common and, like sodium, is often caused by severe vomiting and diarrhea. Minor symptoms include muscle weakness and cramping, but severe cases can be fatal. 4. Magnesium (Mg 2+ ): Necessary for 300+ biochemical reactions and plays a role in the synthesis of both DNA and RNA. High levels of magnesium (hypermagnesemia) are rare, but can cause kidney failure, nausea, vomiting, impaired breathing, and irregular breathing. Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is often found in alcoholics and those who suffer from malnutrition. Symptoms include fatigue, convulsions, muscle spasms, and numbness. 5. Calcium (Ca 2+ ): Used in the formation of bones and teeth and is critical for transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and muscle contraction. This is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with 99% of it is found in the skeletal system. Hypercalcemia can cause digestive problems, nausea, even brain dysfunction, coma, or death. Hypocalcemia may lead to delirium, memory loss, and depression. In severe cases, a patient might experience muscle spasms, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms. 6. Phosphate (HPO 4- ): Works with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth, and is essential to other bodily functions. Phosphate provides energy production within cells, necessary for tissue growth and repair. It also serves as a major building block for cell membranes and DNA. Phosphate is the second most abundant mineral in your body – 85% of it is found in your bones. A high level of phosphate (hyperphosphatemia) is not uncommon and usually includes kidney disease or calcium deficiency. Hypophosphatemia is less common, but more frequent in alcoholics and those with Crohn’s or Celiac disease. Symptoms include joint pain, weakened bones, fatigue, and irregular breathing. 7. Bicarbonate (HCO 3- ): Is a part of a sophisticated buffering system used to maintain proper pH levels.

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