Sodium

Normal range
135-145 mEq/L

Disturbance
Deficiency

Elevation

Potassium

3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Deficiency

Elevation

Calcium

8.5-10.5 mg/dL

Deficiency

Elevation

Magnesium

1.5-2.5 mEq/L

Deficiency

Elevation

Phosphorus

2.6-4.5 mg/dL

Deficiency

Elevation
Chloride

95-105 mEq/L

Deficiency
Elevation

Bicarbonate

22-27 mEq/L

Deficiency

Elevation

Bun

8-20 mg/dL

Elevation

Most common causes

Fluid excess
Hyperglycemia
SIADH
Dehydration
Diabetes insipidus
Hypertonic fluids
Insulin
Medications: Diuretics,
2-agonists
Alkalosis
Renal failure
Medications
Pseudoelevation

Thyroid/parathyroid
conditions
Chronic renal disease
Vitamin D deficiency
Hyperparathyroidism
Malignancy
Immobilization

Signs and symptoms

CNS abnormalities
Nausea, vomiting
CNS abnormalities
Orthostasis, poor skin
turgor, dry mucous
membranes
Muscle weakness,
fatigue, constipation
ECG findings: Flat T
waves, U waves
Muscle cramping,
paraesthesias,
weakness
ECG findings: Peaked
T wave, wide QRS
complex
Paraesthesias, muscle
cramping, tetany
Chvostek and
Trousseau signs
Bone pain,
nephrolithiasis,
abdominal pain,
muscle weakness,
fatigue
Lethargy, confusion
Hyperreflexia,
paraesthesias
Flaccid paralysis
Bradycardia,
hypotension
Cardiac arrest
Muscle weakness
Respiratory failure,
hypoxemia
Hypocalcemia signs
and symptoms

Alcoholism
GI loss
Refeeding syndrome
Renal failure
Antacid abuse

Alkalosis
Diuretic use
Refeeding syndrome
Renal failure
Malignancy
GI loss
Compensation for a primary acidosis
Dehydration
Saline fluids
Compensation for a primary alkalosis
Renal failure
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Dehydration
Respiratory acidosis
IV fluids
Upper GI bleed
Protein overload

 Corticosteroids