What are the main components of a BMP?
What main information does a BMP provide?
What is the normal value of Potassium (K)?
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
What is the main role of potassium?
-Body’s major intracellular cation
-Main determinate of resting cell membrane potential
*important for cardiac b/c action potentials
What is hypokalemia?
-Low potassium
<3.5
What are signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?
-Typically vague –> generalized weakness, malaise, paresthesias (pins and needles sensation)
What is the most common cause of hypokalemia?
Diuretic induced renal or diarrheal induced gastrointestinal losses of potassium
(AKA fluid loss or being on a diuretic)
What is the treatment for hypokalemia?
\<3.2 = supplement with oral potassium \<3.0 = supplement with IV potassium (this is very painful)
What is hyperkalemia?
High potassium
>5.5
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?
What are the causes of hyperkalemia?
What patient population would be at an increased risk for hyperkalemia?
Patients on dialysis (specifically patients who skip dialysis can have severe hyperkalemia)
What is the normal range of Sodium (Na) and what is the role of sodium?
What is the role of ASH and aldosterone?
What is hyponatremia?
Sodium <135
-Disorders of ECF volume (volume status, serum osmolality)
What are signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?
Headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cramping, confusion, lethargy, agitation, N/V, seizures, dehydration, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanelles
What are the causes of hyponatremia?
What is hypernatremia?
High sodium
>145
What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?
Lethargy, irritability, restlessness, spasticity, seizure, tachycardia, orthostasis, dry mucous membranes, diminished skin turgor, oliguria
What are some causes of hypernatremia?
What is the role of chloride (Cl) and what is the normal range?
Anion involved in acid-base regulation and fluid balance
95-100
What is hypochloremia and what are the signs and symptoms?
Cl <95
What are the causes of hypochloremia?
What is hyperchloremia and what are signs and symptoms?
Cl >105
-Often asymptomatic, may have signs of hypernatremia