What is the function of sodium electrolytes?
Sodium, which is an osmotically active cation, is one of the most important electrolytes in the extracellular fluid. It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.
Why is sodium important?
Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
How does sodium affect the body?
Excess sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body, and that creates an added burden on the heart. Too much sodium will increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease. And, 1 in 3 Americans will develop high blood pressure in their lifetime.
What are nursing interventions for hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia Nursing Care Plan 1 Place the patient on high potassium diet as per the physician’s order. To replace potassium lost by the body. The recommended dietary replacement for potassium is 40 to 60 mEq/L/day. Administer a slow intravenous potassium solution as prescribed.
How can I remember my sodium levels?
Use the letters “od” in sodium to remember “odd” numbers. Then combine the first 3 odd numbers which are 1, 3, and 5. This will give you 135 which is the lower end of normal. Simply add 10, and this will give you the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L.
What Causes Low Sodium?
A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
How do nurses treat high sodium?
Place the patient on fluid restriction as per the physician’s order. Fluid restriction helps to prevent more buildup of fluid in the body. Administer a slow intravenous sodium solution as prescribed. A slow intravenous sodium solution is given to raise the sodium level in the blood stream.
How do nurses treat hyperkalemia?
Nursing Management
- Monitor ins and outs.
- Check serum potassium levels.
- Follow ECG closely to look for peaked T waves.
- Educate patient on hyperkalemia.
- Administer diuretics as ordered.
- Administer insulin to lower potassium as ordered.
- Check blood glucose when administering insulin.
- Check BUN and creatinine levels.
What is a normal sodium level?
The normal blood sodium level is 135 to 145 milliequivalents/liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L.
Why electrolytes are important in nursing?
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Electrolytes play an important role in bodily functions and fluid regulation. There is a very narrow target range for normal electrolyte values, and slight abnormalities can have devastating consequences.
What are nursing interventions for fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
Nursing Interventions. There are specific nursing interventions for fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can aid in alleviating the patient’s condition. Monitor turgor. Skin and tongue turgor are indicators of the fluid status of the patient. Urine concentration. Obtain urine sample of the patient to check for urine concentration.
What is an electrolyte?
An electrolyte is a substance that will disassociate into ions when dissolved in water. Origins. Electrolytes are found in the form of inorganic salts, acids, and bases. Active chemicals. Electrolyte concentrations are measured according to their chemical activity and expressed as milliequivalents. Ions.
What is the role of sodium in homeostasis?
Sodium and chloride are primarily responsible for fluid movement across the compartments of the body. Neurologic, hormonal, and renal factors combine to regulate sodium levels and preserve fluid volume homeostasis.