- Confusion.
- Osteomalacia.
- Coma.
Hypophosphatemia can be treated by:- Administering phosphate supplements such as Neutra-Phos PO.
- Administering sodium phosphate IV.
- Administering potassium phosphate IV.
Nursing interventions should include:- Assessing vital signs.
- Assessing changes in metal status.
- Institute seizure precautions.
- Monitor blood levels.
Summary
Our body contains fluids (water) and salts called electrolytes. Electrolytes are
positive and negatively charged particles that generate electrical impulses that,
among other things, cause our muscles to contract.
Fluids and electrolytes are stored in two compartments: intracellular (in-
side the cell) and extracellular (outside the cell). The amount of electrolytes in
fluid is called a concentration. There are three types of fluid concentrations:
iso-osmolar (same concentration), hypo-osmolar (low concentration), and hyper-
osmolar (high concentration). These concentrations are used to describe IV
solutions as isotonic (iso-osmolar), hypotonic (hypo-osmolar), and hypertonic
(hyper-osmolar).
There are five key electrolytes: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and
phosphorus. Collectively, they must remain in balance for our body to function
properly. Diseases and treatment of diseases are two factors that can cause fluids
and electrolytes to become imbalanced. The healthcare professional must quickly
identify the signs and symptoms of the imbalance and then take steps to restore
the balance between electrolytes and fluids.(^180) CHAPTER 10 Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy