Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Bade Balance

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is a total serum calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL.

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia is the result of an increased intake of potassium, movement of potassium out of the cells, or inadequate renal excretion. Hyperkalemia uncommon in clients who have adequate kidney function. Hyperkalemia is potentially life-threatening due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

Hypermagnesemia

Hypermagnesemia is a serum magnesium level greater than 2.1 mEQ/L.

Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is a serum sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is a serious electrolyte imbalance. It can cause significant neurological, endocrine, and cardiac disturbances. Increased sodium causes hypertonicity of the serum. This causes a shift of water out of the cells, making the cells dehydrated.

Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is a total serum calcium level less than 9 mg/dL.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a serum potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L. Hypokalemia is the result of an increased loss of potassium from the body, decreased intake and absorption of potassium, or movement of potassium into the cells.

Hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia is a serum magnesium level less than 1.3 mEq/L.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a serum sodium level less than 136 mEq/L. Hyponatremia results from an excess of water in the plasma or loss sodium-rich fluids. Hyponatremia delays and slows the depolarization of membranes Water moves from the ECF into the ICE, which causes cells to swell (cerebral edema). Serious complications can result from untreated acute hyponatremia (coma, seizures, respiratory arrest).