Body Water, Sodium, Potassium, and Acid Abnormalities
&
Effects from Deviations
Return to Tables
Low body water
Contributing factors
1. Reduced input
a. age-related decrease in thirst sensation
b. physical and mental disabilities restricting access to water
c. diseases requiring dietary restriction of water (e.g., high blood pressure,
congestive heart failure)
d. intravenous (IV) therapy using solutions with high osmotic pressure
2. Increased output
a. profuse sweating
b. vomiting or diarrhea
c. fever
d. diabetes mellitus
e. diuretic medications
f. inhibition of ADH secretion by alcohol ingestion
g. possible decreased kidney response to ADH
Effects
1. less endurance
2. less ability to prevent
overheating
3. nervous system malfunctions
4. joints stiffness
5. constipation
6. decreased circulation and
ischemia from low blood pressure
7. reduced kidney functioning
8. formation of urinary stones
9. drying of the eyes, mouth,
and skin
10. sunken eyes and loose skin
11. coma and death
High body water
Contributing factors
1. reduced GFR
2. excess oral intake
3. excess IV therapy
4. use of IV solutions with
low osmotic pressures
5. excess ADH production
Effects
1. low osmotic pressure and
cell swelling
2. high total volume causing
high blood pressure, an overburdened heart, and edema
Low sodium
Contributing factors
1. inadequate dietary intake
2. excess water intake
3. profuse sweating
4. vomiting or diarrhea
5. diabetes mellitus
6. certain diuretics
7. use of dilute IV solutions
Effects
1. low osmotic pressure and
cell swelling
2. low blood pressure
3. rapid heart rate
4. muscle weakness
5. brain malfunctions
including confusion, seizures, and coma
High sodium
Contributing factors
1. excess dietary sodium
intake
2. low water intake
3. excess water loss
4. circulatory diseases that
reduce kidney perfusion
5. use of IV solutions with
high sodium concentrations
Effects
1. high osmotic pressure and
cell shrinking
2. high total volume (see
above)
Low potassium
Contributing factors
1. dietary deficiency
2. excess loss
a. vomiting or diarrhea
b. loss accompanying starvation
c. diabetes mellitus
Effects
1. mental malfunctions
(confusion, disorientation)
2. muscle weakness and muscle
cramps
3. constipation
4. irregular heart beat
5. reduced breathing
High potassium
Contributing factors
1. excess use of salt
substitutes that contain potassium
2. conditions causing
extensive cell injury
3. GI tract bleeding
4. factors reducing kidneys'
potassium secretion
a. certain diuretics and NSAIDs
b. conditions that raise acid levels (e.g., respiratory problems, diabetes
mellitus)
Effects
1. irregular heart beat
2. dangerously slow heart rate
3. muscle weakness
4. depression
High acid levels (low pH)
Contributing factors
1. respiratory insufficiency
2. infection
3, surgery
4. increased protein breakdown
5. diabetes mellitus
Effects
1. distortion of molecules
2. poor cell functioning
throughout body
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Copyright 2020: Augustine G. DiGiovanna, Ph.D.,
Salisbury University, Maryland
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