in the hospital. Ampoule against the hospital room.

Symptom of Confusion and Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and body fluids that carry an electric charge. The balance of the electrolytes is essential for the normal functioning of your cells and organs. Mental status changes are one of the most common presentations of electrolyte imbalances.

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Cosmetic Surgeon Examining a Patients Face

What Are the Causes of Blue Skin Discoloration?

Skin color results from the blood flow in the tiny vessels within the skin as well as the amount of pigment present in the dermal layers. Any number of normal conditions can alter the pigmentation of the skin, but only abnormal causes result in bluish discolorations.

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X-ray normal foot lateral

Types of Gliding Joints

Gliding joints are also called plane joints or arthrodial joints. The book "Fundamentals Concepts of Anatomy" describes gliding joints as flat bone diarthroses that move in a gliding action that is limited by ligaments. Ligaments are the fibrous tissues that hold bones together.

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African American man flexing biceps

Symptoms of Muscle, Leg & Shoulder Pain

Musculoskeletal pain is a common ailment. Muscle, shoulder and leg discomfort are associated with a variety of conditions that range from the most benign, such as muscle overuse and inflammation, to morbidities like polymyalgias, systemic lupus erythematous and vascular abnormalities, notes the book, "

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Abdominal Water Retention & Liver Problems

A common complaint in patients with liver problems is a sensation of fullness or bloating within the abdomen. This sensation results from increased water retention within the membranous lining of the abdominal tissue known as ascites, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine."

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Medicines That Can Cause Kidney Damage

Medications are a common cause of kidney damage, also known as nephrotoxicity or, when severe, renal failure. According to an article in the January/February 2013 "Aging Well," 20 percent of all episodes of acute kidney damage are due to medications.

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Medicine Pills

Metoprolol Succinate ER 50 mg Tabs Side Effects

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL) belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Doctors commonly prescribe this drug to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and heart-related chest pain called angina. Metoprolol succinate ER is a long-acting, once daily form of metoprolol. The "ER" stands for extended release.

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Sliced organic bananas

What Are Normal Potassium Level Ranges?

Potassium is an essential ion found within the cells of the body. The delicate balance between potassium outside the cell, known as the extracellular fluid K+ and the potassium inside the cell, called the intracellular fluid K+ helps maintain the electrophysiology of the body.

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Symptoms of Low Potassium & Low Bilirubin

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte responsible for the resting phase of muscles. On the other hand, bilirubin is the by-product of red blood cell breakdown found in bile. Under normal circumstances, these two substances would not be compared, except in terms of the heart.

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a baby's hand

High Potassium in Babies

Crucial to muscle contraction and relaxation, potassium is the most abundant electrolyte within your baby's cells. Potassium is a positively charged ion that is responsible for the relaxation of your baby's heart muscle. The book "Miller's Anesthesia"

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Tube with human blod for test

Bun & Creatine Test Values for CT Contrast Procedures

According to "Conn's Current Therapy 2010," acute tubular necrosis can result due to the effects of computed tomography, or CT, contrast material. Acute tubular necrosis is a condition where the kidneys begin to fail at a rapid rate and the urine becomes a muddy brown color because of the dying of kidney tubular cells.

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High Levels of Potassium and Rash on Forearms and Shins

A critical electrolyte in your body is potassium. A positively charged ion, potassium is responsible for electrical relaxation of your muscle cells, especially those in your heart. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine,"

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