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Fluids and Electrolytes
Fluids and Electrolytes
B. FLUID VOLUME EXCESS: HYPERVOLEMIA 4. Teach patient about edema, ascites, and fluid
Definition : Refers to the isotonic expansion of therapy. Advise elevation of the extremities,
the ECF caused by the abnormal retention of restriction of fluids, necessity of paracentesis,
water and sodium dialysis and diuretic therapy.
There is excessive retention of water and 5. Instruct patient to avoid over-the-counter medications
electrolytes in equal proportion. Serum sodium without first checking with the health care provider
concentration remains NORMAL because they may contain sodium
Pathophysiology of Fluid Volume Excess
NURSING MANAGEMENT
The Nursing Process in HYPONATREMIA
1. Provide continuous assessment by doing an accurate
ASSESSMENT intake and output, daily weights, mental status
Sodium Deficit (Hyponatremia) examination, urinary sodium levels and GI
manifestations. Maintain seizure precaution
Clinical Manifestations 2. Detect and control Hyponatremia by encouraging food
Clinical manifestations of hyponatremia depend on intake with high sodium content, monitoring patients
the cause, magnitude, and rapidity of onset. on lithium therapy, monitoring input of fluids like
Although nausea and abdominal cramping occur, most IVF, parenteral medication and feedings.
of the symptoms are neuropsychiatric and are 3. Return the Sodium level to Normal by restricting
probably related to the cellular swelling and cerebral water intake if the primary problem is water retention.
edema associated with hyponatremia. Administer sodium to normovolemic patient and
As the extracellular sodium level decreases, the elevate the sodium slowly by using sodium chloride
cellular fluid becomes relatively more concentrated solution
and
„pulls” water into the cells.
In general, those patients having acute decline in serum SODIUM EXCESS: HYPERNATREMIA
sodium levels have more severe symptoms and higher
mortality rates than do those with more slowly Serum Sodium level is higher than 145 mEq/L
developing hyponatremia. There is a gain of sodium in excess of water or
Features of hyponatremia associated with sodium loss a loss of water in excess of sodium.
and water gain include anorexia, muscle cramps, and
a feeling of exhaustion. Pathophysiology:
When the serum sodium level drops below 115
mEq/L (SI: 115 mmol/L), thee ff signs of increasing Etiologic factors
intracranial pressure occurs: a. Fluid deprivation
lethargy b. Water loss from Watery diarrhea, fever,
Confusion and hyperventilation
muscular twitching c. Administration of hypertonic solution
focal weakness d. Increased insensible water loss
hemiparesis e. Inadequate water replacement, inability to swallow
papilledema f. Seawater ingestion or excessive oral ingestion of salts
convulsions
Other factors
IMPLEMENTATION
a. Diabetes insipidus
b. Heat stroke ASSIST IN THE MEDICAL INTERVENTION
c. Near drowning in ocean 1. Administer hypotonic electrolyte solution slowly
d. Malfunction of dialysis as ordered
2. Administer diuretics as ordered
Loop diuretics (thiazides ok)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3. Desmopressin is prescribed for diabetes insipidus
Increased sodium concentration --- hypertonic plasma ---- NURSING MANAGEMENT
water will move out form the cell outside to the interstitial
space ----- CELLULAR SHRINKAGE------then to the 1. Continuously monitor the patient by assessing
blood-------Water pulled from cells because of increased abnormal loses of water, noting for the thirst and
extracellular sodium level and decreased cellular fluid elevated body temperature and behavioral
concentration changes
2. Prevent hypernatremia by offering fluids regularly
and plan with the physician alternative routes if oral
The Nursing Process in HYPERNATREMIA route is not possible. Ensure adequate water for
patients with DI. Administer IVF therapy cautiously
Sodium Excess (Hypernatremia) 3. Correct the Hypernatremia by monitoring the
patient‟s response to the IVF replacement.
Clinical Manifestations Administer the hypotonic solution very slowly to
primarily neurologic prevent sudden cerebral edema.
Presumably the consequence of cellular dehydration. 4. Monitor serum sodium level.
Hypernatremia results in a relatively concentrated ECF, 5. Reposition client regularly, keep side-rails up, the bed
causing water to be pulled from the cells. in low position and the call bell/light within reach.
Clinically, these changes may be manifested by: 6. Provide teaching to avoid over-the counter
o restlessness and weakness in medications without consultation as they may
moderate hypernatremia contain sodium
o disorientation, delusions, and
hallucinations in severe
hypernatremia. POTASSIUM
Dehydration (hypernatremia) is often overlooked as the
primary reason for behavioral changes in the elderly.
If hypernatremia is severe, permanent brain damage The most abundant cation in the ICF
can occur (especially in children). Brain damage is Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte; in
apparently due to subarachnoid hemorrhages that fact, 98% of the body‟s potassium is inside the cells.
result from brain contraction. The remaining 2% is in the ECF; it is this 2% that
A primary characteristic of hypernatremia is thirst. is all-important in neuromuscular function.
Potassium is constantly moving in and out of cells
Thirst is so strong a defender of serum sodium levels in
normal people that hypernatremia never occurs unless the according to the body‟s needs, under the influence
of the sodium-potassium pump.
person is unconscious or is denied access to water;
Normal range in the blood is 3.5-5 mEq/L
unfortunately, ill people may have an impaired thirst
Normal renal function is necessary for maintenance of
mechanism. Other signs include dry, swollen tongue and
sticky mucous membranes. A mild elevation in body potassium balance, because 80-90% of the potassium is
excreted daily from the body by way of the kidneys.
temperature may occur, but on correction of the
hypernatremia the body temperature should return to The other less than 20% is lost through the bowel and
sweat glands.
normal.
Major electrolyte maintaining ICF balance
Sources- Diet, vegetables, fruits, IVF, medications
ASSESSMENT
Physical Examination Functions:
Restlessness, elevated body temperature
Disorientation 1. Maintains ICF Osmolality
Dry, swollen tongue and sticky mucous 2. Important for nerve conduction and
membrane, tented skin turgor muscle contraction
Flushed skin, postural hypotension 3. Maintains acid-base balance
Increased muscle tone and deep reflexes 4. Needed for metabolism of carbohydrates, fats
Peripheral and pulmonary edema
and proteins
Subjective Cues 5. Potassium influences both skeletal and cardiac
Delusions and hallucinations muscle activity.
Extreme thirst ( For example, alterations in its concentration change
Behavioral changes myocardial irritability and rhythm )
6. Regulations: renal secretion and excretion,
Laboratory findings * Aldosterone promotes renal excretion
1. Serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L * Acidosis promotes K exchange for hydrogen
2. Serum osmolality exceeds 295 mOsm/kg
3. Urine specific gravity and osmolality
INCREASED or elevated
MS: Fluids and Electrolyte Abejo
Lecture Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
Pathophysiology
Etiologic Factors
a. Gastro-intestinal loss of potassium such
as diarrhea and fistula
b. Vomiting and gastric suctioning
c. Metabolic alkalosis
d. Diaphoresis and renal disorders
e. Ileostomy
Other factor/s
a. Hyperaldosteronism
b. Heart failure
c. Nephrotic syndrome
d. Use of potassium-losing diuretics
e. Insulin therapy
f. Starvation
g. Alcoholics and elderly
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
IMPLEMENTATION
Decreased potassium in the body impaired nerve
excitation and transmission signs/symptoms such as ASSIST IN THE MEDICAL INTERVENTION
weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias etc.. 1. Provide oral or IV replacement of potassium
2. Infuse parenteral potassium supplement. Always dilute
the K in the IVF solution and administer with a pump.
The Nursing Process in Hypokalemia
IVF with potassium should be given no faster than 10-
20-mEq/ hour!
3. NEVER administer K by IV bolus or IM
Clinical Manifestations
Potassium deficiency can result in widespread NURSING MANAGEMENT
derangements in physiologic functions and
especially nerve conduction. 1. Continuously monitor the patient by assessing the
Most important, severe hypokalemia can result in cardiac status, ECG monitoring, and digitalis
death through cardiac or respiratory arrest. precaution
Clinical signs rarely develop before the serum 2. Prevent hypokalemia by encouraging the patient to eat
potassium level has fallen below 3 mEq/L (51: potassium rich foods like orange juice, bananas,
3 mmol/L) unless the rate of fall has been rapid. cantaloupe, peaches, potatoes, dates and apricots.
Manifestations of hypokalemia include fatigue, 3. Correct hypokalemia by administering prescribed IV
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, potassium replacement. The nurse must ensure that the
decreased bowel motility, paresthesias, dysrhythmias, kidney is functioning properly!
and increased sensitivity to digitalis. 4. Administer IV potassium no faster than 20 mEq/hour
If prolonged, hypokalemia can lead to impaired and hook the patient on a cardiac monitor. To
renal concentrating ability, causing dilute urine, EMPHASIZE: Potassium should NEVER be given
polyuria, nocturia, and polydipsia IV bolus or IM!!
5. A concentration greater than 60 mEq/L is not advisable
ASSESSMENT for peripheral veins.
Physical examination
Muscle weakness
Decreased bowel motility and abdominal distention
Paresthesias
POTASSIUM EXCESS: HYPERKALEMIA
Dysrhythmias
Increased sensitivity to digitalis Serum potassium greater than 5.5 mEq/L
Pathophysiology
Subjective cues
Nausea , anorexia and vomiting Etiologic factors
Fatigue, muscles cramps a. Iatrogenic, excessive intake of potassium
Excessive thirst, if severe b. Renal failure- decreased renal excretion of
potassium
Laboratory findings c. Hypoaldosteronism and Addison‟s disease
1. Serum potassium is less than 3.5 mEq/L d. Improper use of potassium supplements
2. ECG: FLAT “T” waves, or inverted T waves,
depressed ST segment and presence of the “U” Other factors
wave and prolonged PR interval. 1. Pseudohyperkalemia- tight tourniquet and
3. Metabolic alkalosis hemolysis of blood sample, marked
MS: Fluids and Electrolyte Abejo
Lecture Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
leukocytosis
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Increased potassium in the body-----Causing irritability of
the cardiac cells-----Possible arrhythmias!!
Clinical Manifestations
By far the most clinically important effect of
hyperkalemia is its effect on the
myocardium.
Cardiac effects of an elevated serum potassium level
are usually not significant below a concentration of
7 mEq/L (SI: 7 mmol/L), but they are almost always
present when the level is 8 mEq/L (SI: 8 mmol/L) or
greater.
As the plasma potassium concentration is increased,
disturbances in cardiac conduction occur.
The earliest changes, often occurring at a serum
potassium level greater than 6 mEq/ L (SI: 6
mmol/L), are peaked narrow T waves and a shortened
QT interval.
If the serum potassium level continues to rise, the PR
interval becomes prolonged and is followed by
disappearance of the P waves.
Finally, there is decomposition and prolongation of
the QRS complex. Ventricular dysrhythmias and
cardiac arrest may occur at any point in this
progression.
Note that in Severe hyperkalemia causes muscle
weakness and even paralysis, related to a
depolarization block in muscle.
Similarly, ventricular conduction is slowed.
Although hyperkalemia has marked effects on the
peripheral neuromuscular system, it has little effect
on the central nervous system.
Rapidly ascending muscular weakness leading to
flaccid quadriplegia has been reported in patients
with very high serum potassium levels.
Paralysis of respiratory muscles and those required
for phonation can also occur.
Gastrointestinal manifestations, such as nausea,
intermit tent intestinal colic, and diarrhea, may
occur in hyperkalemic patients.
ASSESSMENT
Physical Examination
Diarrhea
Skeletal muscle weakness
Abnormal cardiac rate
Subjective Cues
Nausea
Intestinal pain/colic
Palpitations
Laboratory Findings
1. Peaked and narrow T waves
2. ST segment depression and shortened QT interval
3. Prolonged PR interval
4. Prolonged QRS complex
5. Disappearance of P wave
6. Serum potassium is higher than 5.5 mEq/L
MS: Fluids and Electrolyte Abejo
Lecture Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
IMPLEMENTATION
CALCIUM
Majority of calcium is in the bones and teeth
Small amount may be found in the ECF and ICF
Normal serum range is 8.5 – 10.5 mg/dL
Sources: milk and milk products; diet;
IVF and medications
MS: Fluids and Electrolyte Abejo
Lecture Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
Functions: HYPOCALCEMIA
Low levels of calcium in the blood
1. Needed for formation of bones and teeth
2. For muscular contraction and relaxation Risk Factors
3. For neuronal and cardiac function a. Hypoparathyroidism (idiopathic or postsurgical)
4. For enzymatic activation b. Alkalosis (Ca binds to albumin)
5. For normal blood clotting c. Corticosteroids (antagonize Vit D)
d. Hyperphosphatemia
Regulations: e. Vit D deficiency
f. Renal failure (vit D deficiency)
1. GIT- absorbs Ca+ in the intestine; Vitamin D helps to
increase absorption Clinical Manifestation
2. Renal regulation- Ca+ is filtered in the glomerulus Decreased cardiac contractility
andreabsorbed in the tubules: Arrhythmia
3. Endocrine regulation: ECG: prolonged QT interval, lengthened ST
segment
Parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands Trousseau’s sign (inflate BP cuff 20mm
is released when Ca+ level is low. PTH causes above systole for 3 min = carpopedal spasm)
release of calcium from bones and increased
retention of calcium by the kidney but PO4 is
excreted
Calcitonin from the thyroid gland is released
when the calcium level is high. This causes
excretion of both calcium and PO4 in the kidney
and promoted deposition of calcium in the bones.
Tetany
Hyperreflexia, seizures
Laryngeal spasms/stridor
Diarrhea, hyperactive bowel sounds
Bleeding
Collaborative Management
1. Calcium gluconate 10% IV
2. Calcium chloride 10% IV
3. both usually given by Dr, very slowly; venous
irritant; cardiac probs
4. Oral: calcium citrate, lactate, carbonate; Vit D
supplements
5. Diet: high calcium
6. Watch out for tetany, seizures, laryngospasm, resp
& cardiac arrest
7. Seizure precautions
Sources:
milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, broccoli, tofu, green
leafy vegetables
HYPERCALCEMIA HYPOMAGNESEMIA
is an elevated calcium level in the blood is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an
usually from bone resorption abnormally low level of magnesium in the blood.
Risk Factors / Causes Risk Factors and Cause
a. Hyperparathyroidism (eg adenoma)
a. Chronic alcoholism (most common), Alcohol
b. Metastatic cancer (bone resorption as stimulates renal excretion of magnesium,
tumor‟s ectopic PTH effect) – eg. Multiple b. Inflammatory bowel disease
myeloma c. Small bowel resection
c. Thiazide diuretics (potentiate PTH effect) d. GI cancer
d. Immobility e. chronic pancreatitis (poor absorption)
e. Milk-alkali syndrome (too much milk or antacids f. Loop and thiazide diuretic use (the most common
in aegs with peptic ulcer) cause of hypomagnesemia)
g. Antibiotics (i.e. aminoglycoside, amphotericin,
Clinical Manifestation pentamidine, gentamicin, tobramycin,
groans (constipation) viomycin) block resorption in the loop of Henle.
moans (psychotic noise) h. Excess calcium
bones (bone pain, especially if PTH is elevated) i. Excess saturated fats
stones (kidney stones) j. Excess coffee or tea intake
psychiatric overtones (including depression k. Excess phosphoric or carbonic acids (soda pop)
and confusion) l. Insufficient water consumption
m. Excess salt or sugar intake
Arrhythmia n. Insufficient selenium,vitamin D, sunlight
ECG: shortened QT interval, decreased exposure or vitamin B6
ST segment o. Increased levels of stress
Hyporeflexia, lethargy, coma
Clinical Manifestation
Collaborative Management Weakness
1. If parathyroid tumor = surgery muscle cramps
2. Diet: low Ca, stop taking Ca Carbonate antacids, cardiac arrhythmia
increase fluids increased irritability of the nervous system with
3. IV flushing (usually NaCl) tremors, athetosis, jerking, nystagmus and an
4. Loop diuretics extensor plantar reflex. Confusion
5. Corticosteroids disorientation
6. Biphosphonates, like etidronate (Calcitonin) & hallucinations
alendronate (Fosamax) depression
7. Plicamycin (Mithracin) – inhibits bone resorption epileptic fits
8. Calcitonin – IM or intranasal hypertension, tachycardia and tetany.
9. Dialysis (severe case)
10. Watch out for digitalis toxicity * Like hypocalcemia, hypokalemia
11. Prevent fractures, handle gently Potentiates digitalis toxicity
Collaborative Management
MAGNESIUM 1. Magnesium sulfate IV, IM (make sure renal
function is ok) – may cause flushing
2. Oral: Magnesium oxide 300mg/day,
2nd most abundant intracellular cation 3. Mg-containing antacids (SE diarrhea)
50% found in bone, 45% is intracellular 4. Diet: high magnesium (fruits,green vegetables,
ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of whole grains cereals, milk, meat, nuts and sea
energy in cells, must be bound to a magnesium ion in foods )
order to be biologically active. 5. Promotion of safety, protect from injury
competes with Ca & P absorption in the GI
inhibits PTH
Normal value : 1.5-2.5 mEq/L HYPERMAGNESEMIA
Functions: Etiologic Factors
1. important in maintaining intracellular activity a. Magnesium treatment for pre-eclampsia
2. affects muscle contraction, & especially relaxation b. Renal failure
3. maintains normal heart rhythm c. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
4. promotes vasodilation of peripheral arterioles d. Excessive use of Mg antacids/laxatives
Sources:
green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, seafood, whole PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
grains, bananas, oranges, cocoa, chocolate Increase Mg. ----- Blocks acetylcholine release------decrease
excitability of muscle
Clinical Manifestation
HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA
Hyporeflexia
Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia
Risk Factors
Flushing a. Acidosis (Ph moves out of cell)
Weakness, lethargy, coma b. Cytotoxic agents/chemotherapy in cancer
Decreased RR & respiratory paralysis c. Renal failure
Loss of DTR‟s d. Hypocalcemia
e. Massive BT (P leaks out of cells during storage
*like hypercalcemia of blood)
f. Hyperthyroidism
Collaborative Management
1. Diuretics Clinical Manifestation
2. Stop Mg-containing antacids & enemas Calcification of kidney, cornea, heart
3. IV fluids rehydration Muscle spasms, tetany, hyperreflexia
4. Calcium gluconate – (antidote,
antagonizes cardiac & respiratory effects
*like hypocalcemia
of Mg)
5. Dialysis – if RF
Collaborative ManagementM
1. Aluminum antacids as phosphate binders: Al
PHOSPHORUS carbonate (Basaljel), Al hydroxide
(Amphojel)
primary intracellular anion 2. Ca carbonate for hypocalcemia
part of ATP – energy 3. Avoid phosphate laxatives/enemas
85% bound with Ca in teeth/bones, skeletal muscle 4. Increase fluid intake
reciprocal balance with Ca 5. Diet: low Phos, no carbonated drinks
absorption affected by Vit D, regulation affected by
PTH (lowers P level)
Normal value : 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
CHLORIDE
Functions:
extracellular anion, part of salt
1. bone/teeth formation & strength
binds with Na, H (also K, Ca, etc)
2. phospholipids (make up cell membrane integrity)
exchanges with HCO3 in the kidneys (& in RBCs)
3. part of ATP
Normal value: 95 -108 mEq/L
4. affects metabolism, Ca levels
Functions:
Sources:
1. helps regulate BP, serum osmolarity
red & organ meats (brain, liver, kidney), poultry, fish, eggs, 2. part of HCl
milk, legumes, whole grains, nuts, carbonated drinks
3. acid/base balance (exchanges with HCO3)
HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA Sources:
salt, canned food, cheese, milk, eggs, crab, olives
Risk Factors
a. Decreased Vit D absorption, sunlight exposure
b. Hyperparathyroidism (increased PTH)
HYPOCHLOREMIA
c. Aluminum & Mg-containing antacids (bind P)
d. Severe vomiting & diarrhea
Risk Factors
a. Diuresis
Clinical Manifestation
b. Metabolic alkalosis
Anemia, bruising (weak blood cell membrane)
c. Hyponatremia, prolonged D5W IV
Seizures, coma
d. Addison‟s
Muscle weakness, paresthesias
Constipation, hypoactive bowel sounds
Clinical Manifestation
Slow, shallow respirations (met. Alkalosis)
*Like hypercalcemia Hypotension (Na & water loss)
Collaborative Management
Collaborative Management
1. Sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate
1. Administer IV or Oral : KCl, NaCl
IV (give slowly, no faster than 10 mEq/hr)
2. Diet: high Cl (& usually Na)
2. Sodium & potassium phosphate orally (Neutra-
Phos, K-Phos) – give with meals to prevent
gastric irritation
HYPERCHLOREMIA
3. Avoid Phos-binding antacids
4. Diet: high Mg, milk
Risk Factors / Cause
5. Monitor joint stiffness, arthralgia,
a. Metabolic acidosis
fractures, bleeding
b. Usually noted in hyperNa, hyperK
Clinical Manifestation
Interpretation Arterial Blood Gases
Deep, rapid respirations (met. Acidosis)
hyperK, hyperNa S/S
If acidosis the pH is down
Increased Cl sweat levels in cystic fibrosis
If alkalosis the pH is up
The respiratory function indicator is the PCO2
The metabolic function indicator is the HCO3
Collaborative Management
1. Diuretics
Step 1
2. Hypotonic solutions, D5W to restore balance
Look at the pH
3. Diet: low Cl (& usually Na)
Is it up or down?
4. Treat acidosis If it is up - it reflects alkalosis
If it is down - it reflects acidosis
Step 2
Look at the PCO2
Acid-Base Balance Mechanisms Is it up or down?
If it reflects an opposite response as the pH,
then you know that the condition is a
respiratory imbalance
Buffer - prevents major changes in ECF by releasing or If it does not reflect an opposite response as the
accepting H ions pH - move to step III
Respiratory: tries to compensate by hyperventilation: 1. Correcting underlying cause will often improve
deep and rapid respirations known as Kussmaul‟s alkalosis
respirations 2. Restore fluid volume and correct
electrolyte imbalances (usually IV NaCl
Diagnostic test findings: with KCL).
1. ABG: pH < 7.35, HCO3 < 22 3. With severe cases, acidifying solution may
2. Electrolytes: Serum K+ >5.0 mEq/L be administered.
3. Serum Ca+2 > 10.0 mg/dL 4. Assessment
4. Serum Mg+2 < 1.6 mg/dL Vital signs
Neuro, cardiac, respiratory assessment
Collaborative Management Repeat arterial blood gases and electrolytes
1. Medications: Correcting underlying cause
will often improve acidosis
2. Restore fluid balance, prevent dehydration
with IV fluids
3. Correct electrolyte imbalances Selected Water and Electrolyte
4. Administer Sodium Bicarbonate IV, if acidosis is
severe and does not respond rapidly enough to
Solutions
treatment of primary cause. (Oral bicarbonate is
sometimes given to clients with chronic
metabolic acidosis) Be careful not to overtreat Isotonic Solutions
and put client into alkalosis
5. As acidosis improves, hydrogen ions shift out of A. 0.9% NaCl (isotonic, also called NSS)
cells and potassium moves intracellularly. Na+ 154 mEq/L
Hyperkalemia may become hypokalemia and Cl- 154 mEq/L
potassium replacement will be needed. (308 mOsm/L)
6. Assessment Also available with varying concentrations of dextrose (the
Vital signs most frequent used is a 5% dextrose concentration
Intake and output
Neuro, GI, and respiratory status; An isotonic solution that expands the ECF
Cardiac monitoring volume, used in hypovolemic states,
Reassess repeated arterial blood gases resuscitative efforts, shock, diabetic
and electrolytes ketoacidosis, metabolic alkalosis, hypercalcemia,
mild Na deficit
Supplies an excess of Na and Cl; can cause fluid
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS volume excess and hyperchloremic acidosis if
pH >7.45 used in excessive volumes, particularly in patients
HCO3 > 26 mEq/L with compromised renal function, heart failure or
Caused by a bicarbonate excess, due to loss of edema
acid, or a bicarbonate excess in the body Not desirable as a routine maintenance solution,
as it provides only Na and Cl (and these are
Common Stimuli provided in excessive amounts)
a. Loss of hydrogen and chloride ions through When mixed with 5% dextrose, the resulting
excessive vomiting, gastric suctioning, or solution becomes hypertonic in relation to
excessive diuretic therapy Response to plasma, and in addition to the above described
hypokalemia electrolytes, provides 170cal/L
b. Excess ingestion of bicarbonate rich antacids or Only solution that may be administered
excessive treatment of acidosis with Sodium with blood products
Bicarbonate