(^442) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Muscle weakness due to impairment in oxygen delivery to the tissues
- Rhabdomyolysis with breakdown of muscle tissue
- Paresthesia (tingling sensations)
- Hemolytic anemia due to fragility of red blood cells
- Encephalopathy (irritability, confusion, disorientation, seizures, coma)
- Respiratory failure or trouble weaning from ventilator due to changes in oxy-
gen delivery to cells - Weakening of bone structure seen in chronic, severe hypophosphatemia due
to phosphate leaving bones - Petechiae due to poorly functioning platelets
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Phosphorus < 1.7 mEq/L in blood serum.
- Spot urine sampling for diminished phosphate.
- Parathyroid (PTH) levels elevated.
- In anemia, low hemoglobin and hematocrit.
- Elevated creatine kinase in rhabdomyolysis.
TREATMENT
- Administer potassium phosphate to replace phosphate:
- Oral for mild to moderate loss, or intravenous for severe loss.
- Monitor for hypotension if intravenous replacement of phosphate.
- Monitor serum phosphate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels every
6 to 8 hours during initial replacement. - Diet high in phosphorus for chronic hypophosphatemia.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Risk for injury
- Imbalanced nutrition