Chapter 17: Fluids and Electrolytes- Hypokalemia Flashcards
1
Q
What are the surgical causes?
A
- Diuretics
- certain antibiotics
- steroids
- alkalosis
- diarrhea
- intestinal fistulae
- NG aspiration
- vomiting
- insulin
- insufficient supplementation
- amphotericin
2
Q
What are the signs/symptoms?
A
Weakness
tetany
nausea, vomiting
ileus
paraesthesia
3
Q
What are the ECG findings?
A
Flattening of T waves,
U waves
ST segment depression
PAC
PVC
atrial fibrillation
4
Q
What is the rapid treatment?
A
KCl IV
5
Q
What is the most common electrolyte-mediated ileus in the surgical patient?
A
Hypokalemia
6
Q
What electrolyte deficiency can actually cause hypokalemia?
A
Low magnesium
7
Q
What electrolyte must you replace first before replacing K+?
A
Magnesium
8
Q
Why does hypomagnesemia make replacement of K+with hypokalemia nearly impossible?
A
Hypomagnesemia inhibits K+ reabsorption from the renal tubules
