Electrolytes Made Simple (Part 3): Calcium, Magnesium & Life-Threatening Imbalances Explained

Send us a text Mastering Electrolytes: Understanding Calcium and Magnesium in Nursing In this final installment of the Electrolytes series at Nursing School Week by Week, the focus is on calcium and magnesium. The role of calcium extends beyond strong bones to muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, while magnesium maintains muscle and nerve functions. Detailed signs of imbalances such as Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs for hypocalcemia and symptoms of hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia are discussed. Practical case studies emphasize the critical application of lab values in real clinical scenarios. Key strategies for patient education and ways to handle electrolyte imbalances through diet, medication, and IV fluids are elaborated. The episode also provides tips from successful nursing students, stressing the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind electrolyte levels and continuous practice. The discussion concludes with real-life case scenarios for deeper insight into how imbalances impact patient care and the importance of vigilant nursing assessments. 00:00 Introduction to the Final Electrolyte Series 01:03 Understanding Calcium: Beyond Strong Bones 03:52 Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Electrolyte Balance 06:11 Electrolyte Review Questions 08:33 Life-Threatening Electrolyte Emergencies 11:15 Diet and Electrolyte Balance 17:32 Patient Education on Electrolytes 24:11 Case Studies: Real-Life Electrolyte Imbalances 32:06 Key Takeaways and Conclusion Try Picmonic for Free, or save 20% on a subscription with this link . Connect with me on: Instagram : @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog : https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!