FORU Education

  NCLEX • MOH • DHA • HAAD • Prometric • Nursing Competitive Exam One-Page Study Notes Think: “Right fluid + right place + right amount = normal body function.” I. FLUID & ELECTROLYTE BALANCE — HIGH-YIELD REVIEW What Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in body fluids and separate into electrically charged particles (ions) . Examples: Sodium (Na⁺) → positive ion (cation) Potassium (K⁺) → positive ion Chloride (Cl⁻) → negative ion (anion) Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) → negative ion NCLEX Memory: CATions are PAWsitive (+) (Calcium, Potassium, Sodium = positive) Measurement of Fluids & Electrolytes Fluid Volume Measured in: Liters (L) Milliliters (mL) Examples: 1 L = 1000 mL IV fluids commonly measured in mL/hr Electrolyte Measurement Measured in: Milliequivalents (mEq) Meaning: Reflects the chemical combining power of electrolytes. Example: 1 mEq cation = combines with 1 mEq anion Exam Pearl: mEq tells h...

Think: “Musty smell + fair child + developmental delay = check for PKU.” What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly break down phenylalanine , an amino acid found in protein foods. Normally: Phenylalanine → (Phenylalanine Hydroxylase + BH4) → Tyrosine In PKU: The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is deficient Phenylalanine builds up in the blood Excess phenylalanine becomes toxic to the brain Tyrosine levels decrease → reduced melanin production NCLEX Keyword: Autosomal recessive disorder Why Does PKU Matter? Without early treatment, elevated phenylalanine can cause: 🧠 Permanent neurological damage 🧠 Developmental delay 🧠 Intellectual disability 🧠 Seizures This is why newborn screening is critical. Pathophysiology in One Minute Protein intake ↓ Phenylalanine cannot convert to tyrosine ↓ ↑ Phenylalanine accumulation ↓ Brain toxicity + ↓ melanin ↓ Neurological s...