Association between Serum Electrolyte Levels and Consciousness in ICU Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background A change in fluid and electrolyte balance is a dynamic process that can cause a wide range of clinical disorders. Aim The present study was conducted to determine the serum level of electrolytes and their relationship with the level of consciousness. Methods This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was conducted using a census method on 110 medical records of patients admitted to the ICU department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2021. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist from the patient’s medical records and analyzed using SPSS-20 statistical software and descriptive and inferential tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Results The average age of the patients was 31.8 ± 18.8 years. Eighty-two patients (74.5%) were men who were hospitalized due to a motorcycle accident. No significant relationship was found between serum phosphorus levels, hospital stay duration, and mortality rate. There was a significant relationship between magnesium serum level and mortality rate, but there was no relationship between serum potassium and magnesium, the duration of hospitalization, and the average days of hospitalization. Conclusion The results showed that there is no significant relationship between the average serum level of electrolytes and the level of consciousness. It is possible that factors other than electrolytes, such as the status of arterial gases, the need for advanced airway care, medicinal agents, and other therapeutic interventions, may influence the level of consciousness.