135-145 mEq/L

Major extracellular cation

Cerebral edema

Lethargy

Confusion

Seizure

Coma

Weakness

thirst

mental status change

muscular irritability and twitching

3.5-5 mEq/L

Major intracellular cation

Hyperkalemia S/S

M- Muscle weakness

U- Urine (oliguria, anuria)

R- Respiratory distree

D- decreased cardiac contractility

E- ECG changes (tall T-wave)

R- Reflexes (areflexia)

Cardiac depression

Dysrhythmias

Cardiac arrest

Muscle weakness

Paralysis

Paresthesias of face, feet, and hands

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Muscle cramping

Fatigue

Weakness

Cardiac Irritability

8.5-10

cell membrane permeability, nerve impulse transmission, blood coagulation

Hypoexcitable neurons

Renal Stones

CNS depression

Constipation

Altered Mentation

Bone Loss

Bradycardia

Moans (constipation), stone (renal stones), Psychic groans (altered mentation), bones (bone loss)

C- Convulsions

A- Arrythmias

T- Tetany

S- Spasms and Stridor

2.5-4.5

Essential for muscles, RBC, and nervous system function, ATP production, glycolysis

C

A

T

S

Disturbed energy metabolism

Leukocyte and platelet dysfunction

Muscle weakness

Bone resorption

1.5-2.5

Activation intracellular enzyme systems

Hypoactive reflexes

Hypotension

Bradycardia

Respiratory distress

Irritability

Muscle cramps

Convulsions

Tachycardia

Hyperactive reflexes

Seizure