All questions should be answered by at least one class member. In order to make sure each question is addressed, please check which ones have already been answered before making your selection.
In your replies to classmates, be sure to read and post a response to at least one person who chose a different topic than you did. This helps you expand your learning beyond your own posts.
Electrolytes
Each student chooses two electrolytes and addresses the questions below about those electrolytes. Indicate the two electrolytes you chose in the Subject Line of your initial post. In order to make sure each electrolyte is chosen, please check which ones have already been selected before making your decision.
Discuss the common electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
Each of the electrolytes should be selected by at least one class member.
What role does each of the selected electrolytes play in cellular function and fluid balance?
How do these electrolytes impact acid-base balance?
What physical symptoms would the nurse assess for if the serum levels of these selected electrolytes are too high or too low?
What is the treatment for abnormal levels of these selected electrolytes?
Explain what “tonicity” means. What is the difference between isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions?
Why does the nurse need to know about tonicity of intravenous fluids?
In your replies to classmates, be sure to read and post a response to at least one person who chose a different electrolyte than you did. This helps you expand your learning beyond your own posts.
Acid-Base Balance
Each student chooses one acid-base imbalance and addresses the questions below about the imbalance. Indicate the one acid-base imbalance selected in the Subject Line of your initial post. In order to make sure each acid-base imbalance is chosen, please check which ones have already been selected before making your decision.
Discuss the common acid-base imbalances: Metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
Each of the acid-base imbalances should be selected by at least one class member.
What are the anticipated arterial blood gas (ABG) results for the acid-base imbalance selected?
List several signs and symptoms the nurse would expect to assess in a patient experiencing the chosen acid-base imbalance.
Discuss some conditions that could lead to this acid-base imbalance.
How will the nurse know that the body is compensating for the acid-base imbalance?
