Short answer: Focus on sodium, potassium and calcium, and on the safe handling of intravenous fluids. Learn what each imbalance looks like, which patients are at risk, what the ECG or symptoms show and what you do first. Always check the patient before treating a number.
01Chapter 1
Sodium
Low sodium causes confusion, headache and seizures when severe. High sodium usually points to water loss and thirst.
Correct sodium slowly. Changing it too fast can harm the brain, so exam answers that rush correction are usually wrong.
02Chapter 2
Potassium
High potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Look for peaked T waves, a wide QRS and muscle weakness. Protect the heart first, then lower the potassium, following local protocols.
Low potassium causes weakness, cramps and arrhythmias. It often follows vomiting, diarrhoea or diuretic use.
03Chapter 3
Calcium
Low calcium causes tingling around the mouth, muscle spasm and, when severe, seizures. High calcium causes thirst, constipation, confusion and kidney stones.
04Chapter 4
Intravenous fluid safety
Check the right fluid, the right rate and the right patient. Watch for overload in people with heart or kidney disease: breathlessness, crackles and swelling are warning signs.
Reassess the patient after every bolus.
Record intake and output accurately.
Question any rate that looks unusually fast.
05Chapter 5
Exam tips
When a question gives a lab value, ask what the patient looks like and what could harm them in the next hour. That usually points to the right answer.
Frequently asked questions
Know the common ranges, but exams usually test what a result means for the patient and what to do next.
Severe high or low potassium and severe sodium changes can be life-threatening, so learn them well.
This article is general educational guidance, not official advice. Exam rules, fees and timelines are set by the Dubai Health Authority and the test provider and can change, so always confirm the latest details on their official channels.
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