Question

Signs, symptoms and laboratory results in electrolyte depletion

Answer 1

Electrolyte imbalance can be defined as a state in which there is a deprivation of essential electrolytes in the body such as sodium potassium leading to a state of physiological imbalance in the body.

Signs and symptoms of electrolyte depletion are as follows:

• muscle spasm.
• weakness.
• twitching or convulsions
• irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• Low blood pressure

Laboratory results for some of the common electrolytes are as follows:

• serum sodium below 134 mEq/L.
• serum potassium less than 3.5 mmol/
• serum calcium level less than 2.20 mmol/L
• serum magnesium level less than 0.70 mmol/L
• serum phosphate level less than 0.8 mmol/L