Normal range Disturbance Most common causes Signs and symptoms

Sodium 135-145 mEq/L Deficiency Fluid excess CNS abnormalities

Hyperglycemia Nausea, vomiting
SIADH
Elevation Dehydration CNS abnormalities
Diabetes insipidus Orthostasis, poor skin
Hypertonic fluids turgor, dry mucous
membranes
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Deficiency Insulin Muscle weakness,
Medications: Diuretics, fatigue, constipation
2-agonists ECG findings: Flat T
Alkalosis waves, U waves
Elevation Renal failure Muscle cramping,
Medications paraesthesias,
Pseudoelevation weakness
ECG findings: Peaked
T wave, wide QRS
complex
Calcium 8.5-10.5 mg/dL Deficiency Thyroid/parathyroid Paraesthesias, muscle
conditions cramping, tetany
Chronic renal disease Chvostek and
Vitamin D deficiency Trousseau signs
Elevation Hyperparathyroidism Bone pain,
Malignancy nephrolithiasis,
Immobilization abdominal pain,
muscle weakness,
fatigue
Magnesium 1.5-2.5 mEq/L Deficiency Alcoholism Lethargy, confusion
GI loss Hyperreflexia,
Refeeding syndrome paraesthesias
Elevation Renal failure Flaccid paralysis
Antacid abuse Bradycardia,
hypotension
Cardiac arrest
Phosphorus 2.6-4.5 mg/dL Deficiency Alkalosis Muscle weakness
Diuretic use Respiratory failure,
Refeeding syndrome hypoxemia
Elevation Renal failure Hypocalcemia signs
Malignancy and symptoms
Chloride 95-105 mEq/L Deficiency GI loss
Compensation for a primary acidosis
Elevation Dehydration
Saline fluids
Compensation for a primary alkalosis
Bicarbonate 22-27 mEq/L Deficiency Renal failure
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Elevation Dehydration
Respiratory acidosis
IV fluids
Bun 8-20 mg/dL Elevation Upper GI bleed
Protein overload
 Corticosteroids