Electrolyte Imbalance Assignment Essay
Electrolyte Imbalance Assignment Essay
Electrolyte Imbalance results from the loss of body fluids vi prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, high fever or sweating. Electrolytes are essential minerals involves in body processes and they include chloride, sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium (Treas, Wilkinson, Barnett & Smith, 2018). The symptoms of electrolyte disorder are diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, lethargy, fatigue, false heart rate and irregular heartbeat among others. This paper seeks to explore electrolyte imbalance, the assessment, diagnosis and analysis through the examination of a 19-year-old female Emergency Department patient who developed confusion and headache, abdominal cramping and had orthostatic hypotension after drinking 5liters of water in a contest. Electrolyte Imbalance Assignment Essay
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In order to maintain normal body functioning, it is necessary to maintain an adequate amount of electrolytes. These chemical substances dissolve in water to give negatively and positively charged ions. A normal adult presents 4.5-5.5 mEq/L values for calcium electrolytes and a range of 136-145 mEq/L of sodium electrolytes (Willis, 2015). For Magnesium the normal values range between 1.5-2.5 mEq/L and 3.5-5.3 mEq/L values for potassium (Willis, 2015). On the other hand, chloride values in the body fluid range between 97-107 mEq/L. As such, it is evident that the patient presents electrolyte imbalance considering the obtained laboratory results. The sodium levels of 122 mEq/L are lower than normal while the potassium levels of 3.6 mEq/L are within the normal range. The Chloride ions of 100 mEq/L are also within the normal range as well as magnesium which are recorded as 2 mg/dL. However, the calcium values of 10 mg/dL are extremely higher than the normal range. In addition, the phosphate levels of 2 mEq/L is lower than the normal range of 2.5-4.5 mg/dL.
Potential problems associated with the imbalance of electrolytes can be determined through multiple assessment techniques. For instance, as the monitoring RN nurse; I will conduct a physical assessment of the patient to develop a baseline of treatment and care. An ongoing assessment of the patient’s charts will also be essential in determining the treatment progress and outcome data. Techniques involved will include listening, inquiry, observation, inspection, percussion, palpation, auscultation (Ladwig, Ackley & Makic, 2017). The creation of a safe environment will help the patient to open up and speak freely. Notably, the assessment of the Patient’s history with a description of their fluid and electrolyte status will also be conducted. Moreover, the medical history of the patient will be assessed to identify probable risks. A review of the body systems will also be done to determine the current status of the patient. The intake and output of fluids by the patient and their body weight will also be assessed. Electrolyte Imbalance Assignment Essay
The nursing diagnosis for the patient is hyponatremia. The condition is characterized by low sodium levels in the blood caused by use of diuretics, heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney failure or intake of too many fluids. This causes brain dysfunctions, headaches, confusion and sluggishness among other symptoms as evidence in the patient (Willis, 2015). Hyponatremia is also associated with orthostatic hypotension which has been reported in the patient. The analysis of the patient’s laboratory tests and the physical examination confirms the presence of hyponatremia. This is because; the patient had taken a lot of water which could have resulted in increased body fluid and consequently altered the balance of sodium ions. The symptoms of the disease such as headaches and mental changes have been analyzed and matched with those of the disease. Low blood pressure is also reported from reduced sodium ions in the body fluids.
References
Ladwig, G., Ackley, B., & Makic, M. (2017). Mosby’s guide to nursing diagnosis (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Treas, L., Wilkinson, J., Barnett, K. & Smith, M. (2018). Basic nursing: Thinking, doing, and caring (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Willis, L. (Ed.). (2015). Fluids and electrolytes made incredibly easy! (Links to an external site.) (6th ed.). Retrieved from http://www.ovid.com
Electrolyte Imbalance Assignment Essay
