Electrolytes

Question 1

How does low Potassium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 1

• ST depression
• shallow/flat/inverted T and U waves

Question 2

How does high Potassium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 2

• tall peaked T wave
• flat P wave
• wide QRS

Question 3

What is important to remember via the administration of Potassium?

Answer 3

• Potassium is never given by IV push (IVP)!!
• It is always diluted in a minibag!!
• *never given greater than 10meq/hr

Question 4

How does low Calcium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 4

prolonged ST + QT

Question 5

How does high Calcium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 5

shortened ST, wide T wave

Question 6

How does low Magnesium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 6

• tall T wave
• depressed ST

Question 7

How does high Magnesium manifest on an ECG?

Answer 7

• prolonged ST, wide QRS

Question 8

What diagnostic assessments will indicate hypocalcemia?

Answer 8

• Positive Trousseau’s and Chvostek’s
• Trousseau’s sign refers to the involuntary contraction of the muscles in the hand and wrist (i.e., carpopedal spasm) that occurs after the compression of the upper arm with a blood pressure cuff.
• Chvostek’s sign is the twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping over the area of the facial nerve

Question 9

What is the relationship between Sodium/Potassium?

Answer 9

inverse: one is up, other is down

Question 10

What is the relationship between Calcium/Phosphorus?

Answer 10

inverse: one is up, other is down

Question 11

What is the relationship between Calcium/Vit D?

Answer 11

similar: will raise or lower together

Question 12

What is the relationship between Magnesium/Calcium?

Answer 12

similar: will raise or lower together

Question 13

What is the relationship between Magnesium/Potassium?

Answer 13

similar: will raise or lower together

Question 14

What is the relationship between Magnesium/Phosphorus?

Answer 14

inverse: one is up, other is down