Electrolytes

Question 1

What are sodium changes due to?

Answer 1

Abnormalities of fluid volume or renal disease.

Question 2

What causes hypokalemia?

What should be checked with refractory hypokalemia?

Answer 2

Losses via GI tract is MCC: Diarrhea. Also loop and thiazide diuretics and alkalosis.
Check magnesium level, because it is very important for normal potassium uptake and maintenance.

Question 3

What happens if you correct hyponatremia too quickly?

Correcting hypernatremia too quickly?

Answer 3

Central pontine myelinolysis.

Seizures.

Question 4

What is a treatment for hyperkalemia?

Answer 4

Nebulized albuterol. Other options: IV calcium gluconate, IV insulin in glucose soln, sodium bicarb