Identifying Significant Electrolyte Imbalances in Heart Failure

A 62-year-old patient with chronic heart failure is hospitalized with exacerbation of symptoms. During the admission assessment, the nurse notes the following lab values: sodium 128 mEq/L, potassium 5.5 mEq/L, chloride 85 mEq/L, bicarbonate 22 mEq/L, calcium 9.0 mg/dL, and magnesium 1.5 mEq/L. The patient has gained 2 kg since yesterday and reports feeling increasingly fatigued with muscle weakness. As the nurse, you need to identify the electrolyte imbalances present in this patient’s condition.

Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse address as potentially significant for this patient?