Med Surg block 2 Fluid and Electrolytes

[Steelkittey]

I am in desperate need of assistance. I an working on the VCE for Med Surg edition 8 Electrolyte imbalances. In my question I have 3 electrolytes (Calcium, Phosphorus and Sodium). For each of these, I am to identify "normal" level (which I have done), Functions of the electrolyte (which I have done), major location (done), but the last item is confusing me. I meed to list Pathophysiologic influences for that electrolyte. I guess I'm not understanding what they are looking for.

Any suggestions on how to address this question would be greatly appreciated!

[Hygiene Queen]

I would interpret that to mean, for example, what is the influence on sodium in regards to something like blood pressure or what is the influence of potassium on the heart?

What happens if there is too much sodium? What happens if there is not enough potassium?

That's just my thoughts, anyway.

[erinmarie320]

You could also interpret the question as asking what pathophysiology or underlying disorder might cause a particular electrolyte imbalance. Such as hypernatremia can be as a result of diarrhea or vomiting, or adrenal tumours.

I think the previous poster's interpretation is more likely right, but the question could be interpreted either way I suppose :) Did they give an example question/answer?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I'd do both. Look at parathyroid, blood pressure, renal management of electrolyte balance... I think a really good place to start would be your lab text, like Joyce Lefever Key's classic Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications. She does an excellent job of describing the most important things to know about lab tests and values: Why do we care? Seems to me that's the gist of your assignment.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You could also interpret the question as asking what pathophysiology or underlying disorder might cause a particular electrolyte imbalance. Such as hypernatremia can be as a result of diarrhea or vomiting, or adrenal tumours.

I think the previous poster's interpretation is more likely right, but the question could be interpreted either way I suppose :) Did they give an example question/answer?

This is how I would interpret the question. OP, for sodium- look up Diabetes Insipidus, SIADH and Cerebral Salt Wasting.

[Steelkittey]

Thank you everyone for all the help, this gives me a better idea how to address the question! I appreciate all the help.

[Steelkittey]

Thanks, I appreciate the response.

[Steelkittey]

Thanks for the help