Electrolytes Flashcards
Most K+ is located where in the body? Does this affect replacement frequency?
In the cells; Yes, you may need multiple bolus administrations to bring serum K+ up to normal when in a deficit due to unknown deficit in the tissues
As pH increases, how is K+ affected? pH decrease?
Increase in pH = more K+ into cell (Hypokalemia risk)
Decrease in pH = more K+ into serum (Hyperkalemia risk)
How does low K+ affect insulin? high K+?
Low K+ = inhibition of insulin release
High K+ = increased release of insulin
Hypokalemia severity classification
[K+] <3.5
a. Mild to Moderate = 3.5 to 2.5
b. Severe = <2.5
Digoxin therapy: Less than 3.5 = concern
Signs/Symptoms of hypokalemia
- muscle weakness
- myalgia
- decreased tendon reflex
- cardiac symptoms
- HTN / EKG abnormalities / Arrhythmias
When do you initiate drug therapy of K+?
If patient is symptomatic
If patient has [K+] < 3.0 mEq/L (<3.5 for digoxin pts)
Whats the usual adult dosage for K+ supplementation?
20 to 80 mEq PO QD
Who should we be careful with K+ supplementation? Why?
Diabetics = insulin release issues
ACE-Inhibitor pts = may induce HYPERkalemia
Renal dysfunction = decreased excretion
K+ Infusion rate rules:
<10 mEq/hr does not need telemetry
10 to 20 mEq/hr requires telemetry
Max IV rate of K+ = 20 mEq/hr
Primary Intracellular electrolytes
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Primary Extracellular electrolytes
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Chloride
What electrolyte problem must you correct to reduce K+ wasting?
hypomagnesemia; K+ needs Mg2+ for absorption
Hyperkalemia severity classification
Moderate: [K+] > 5.5 + T wave peak/PR prolongation
Severe: [K] > 7 + Prolonged QRS/VFib
Complete block @ [K+] conc. > 8mEq/L
How do you treat a symptomatic HYPERkalemic patient?
- IV Calcium STAT: 1 g push
- Insulin and GLU: promote increase K+ to cells and prevention of hypoglycemia via increased insulin release
- Loop diuretics to increase excretion
- Kayexelate to increase excretion
- Hemodialysis to excrete excess
Hypomagnesemia Signs/Symptoms
CNS: lethargy, weakness, confusion
CV: V-tach, V-fib, ventricular premature contraction
Treatment for Hypomagnesemia
a. Symptomatic and [Mg] <1
b. [Mg] <1 mg/dL w/o symptoms
c. [Mg] >1 mg/dL w/o symptoms
a. IV Mag Sulfate: 2 gram bolus + 0.5 to 1 mEq/kg/day to replenish stores over 2-5 days
b. . IV Mag Sulfate: No bolus! - continuous infusion
c. Oral Mag Supplement: Mag Oxide 400 to 800 mg QID
Hypermagnesemia Signs/Symptoms
[Mg] > 8.0 mg/dL Absent deep tendon reflexes Muscle weakness Sedative-like effect Vasodilation Diarrhea
Treatment for Hypermagnesemia
Discontinue magnesium treatment
Use Calcium to reverse effects
Give diuretic to promote excretion
Hypocalcemia severity classification
Mild to Moderate = <8.5 to 6.0mg/dL
Severe = Total serum [Ca] <6.0 mg/dL
Hypercalcemia severity classification
Mild to Moderate = >10.5 to 13 mg/dL
Severe = Total serum [Ca] >13 mg/dL
Calcium is 50% bound to what in the plasma? What does this influence?
ALBUMIN
- amount of active calcium
- pH of the blood is raised as more calcium is BOUND
What hormone increases calcium reabsorption to raise levels to normal?
PTH: Parathyroidhormone
What medication is a common cause of elevated calcium levels?
THIAZIDE DIURETICS
Hypercalcemia Signs/Symptoms
[Ca] > 10.5 Constipation, Nausea and Vomiting Others: Confusion lethargy weakness HYPOreflexia Renal chg: polyuria & stones CVD: HTN, heart
Treatment of Hypercalcemia: [Ca] >12 or symptomatic
a. Hydration + mobilization: 0.9% NaCl bolus with LOOP diuretic that reduces calcium reabsorption
b. Calcitonin = inhibits osteoclasts + increased renal excretion
- Aredia/Zometa bisphosphonates
c. Hemodialysis
d. Sensipar = PTH gland receptor
Hypocalcemia Signs/Symptoms
[Ca] = <8.5 mg/dL High albumin levels Acute: Neuromuscular and Cardiac symptoms - Cramping - Spasms (eye twitch) Chronic: confusion, hair loss, psoriasis
Treatment for hypocalcemia
a. Acute, Symptomatic
b. Chronic
a. Ca-gluconate 3gm OR CaCl2 1gm IV push
b. Oral calcium/Vit D supplementation
A patient with end-stage renal disease has high albumin in the plasma. What is the concern with measured calcium levels?
Must correct calculated [Ca] using equation provided to re-assess whether there is a deficit or surplus of [Ca]
Hyperphosphotemia severity classification
Mild = >4.6 to 6.5 mg/dL Moderate = >6.5 to 7 mg/dL Severe = >7.0 mg/dL
Hyperphosphotemia Signs/Symptoms
[P] >4.6 Precipitation with Calcium = deposits in the arteries *Similar to HYPOcalcemia** Neuromuscular and Cardiac symptoms - Cramping - Spasms (eye twitch) Confusion, hair loss, psoriasis
Treatment of Hyperphosphotemia
AVOID PROCESSED FOODS, Renagel
Hypophosphotemia severity classification
Moderate = <2.5 to 1 mg/dL Severe = <1.0 mg/dL
Treatment for hypophosphotemia
Moderate: Oral Supplement
- Neutra-phos K 1.25 g PO BID to TID
Severe: 0.2 mmol/kg over 3 to 12 hours
Where is the majority of sodium located in the body?
Extracellular Fluid
Hyponatremia severity classification
Large, rapid changes = More severe
Mild = < 134 mEq/L
Moderate = <120 mEq/L
Severe = <115 mEq/L
Hyponatremia Signs/Symptoms
Mild: Confusion, headache, agitation, nausea, vomiting
Mod to Sev: Seizures, coma, death
Treatment of Hyponatremia
Limit of 8 to 12 mEq/24 hours (0.33 to 0.5 mEq/hour)
Fluids: Restriction v 0.9% NS v 3% NaCl
What is Euvolemic hypotonic hyponatremia?
Having appropriate hydration but low osmolality and low sodium concentrations in the blood
SIADH
Syndrome of Inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone
- Xs production of ADH
- Xs water reabsorption
Causes: SSRIs/SNRIs + Ecstasy
Treatment: Only if [Na+] < 115 mEq/L
- 3% NaCl to correct deficit
- Chg in diuretic
- Fluid restriction
How do you treat HYPOvolemic hypotonic hypernatremia?
Symptomatic:
Start with 0.9% NS 200 - 300 mL/hour then use D5W (free water) and/or lower NS conc.
No symptoms: Use D5W (free water) and/or lower NS conc. + remove diuretics
Diabetes insipidus may result in which sodium alteration? Which fluid replacement would you use?
ISOvolemic Hypernatremia
Use D5W due to ICF loss = ECF loss
Hypernatremia severity classification
Mild to Moderate = >145 to 160 mEq/L
Severe = >160 mEq/L
Hypernatremia Signs/Symptoms
Mild to Moderate: polyuria and polydypsia
Severe: Neurological distrubances
- Confusion, rigidity, tremor, coma
% body water trend with age
Decreases with age (75-85% in newborns)
% body water trend with increasing body fat
Decreases
For each 1 mEq decrease in serum [K+] below 3.5 mEq/L, the total body K+ deficit is ___ mEq
100-400 mEq
Acidosis effect on K+
Increases serum K+ as H+ is exchanged for K+ in the blood
Alkalosis effect on K+
Decreases serum [K+] as it drives it into cells (in exchange for H+ into the blood)
Insulin/K+ relationship
- Hyperkalemia induces insulin release, which facilitates K+ movement into cells (+ Na/K ATPase activity)
- Hypokalemia inhibits insulin release
Why might diuretics cause hyperglycemia in Type II diabetics?
Hypokalemia (diuretics cause loss of K+) inhibits the release of insulin, putting patient at risk for hyperglycemia
Beta-agonist/K+ relationship (albuterol, epinephrine)
- Increases Na/K ATPase activity, which drives K into cells
2. Increases glycogenolysis, which increases glucose and insulin, drives K+ into cells
Aldosterone/K+ relationship
Promotes K secretion @ distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct (increases Na/K ATPase activity, which keeps Na/water)
CAUSES: inadequate intake Cellular shifting vomiting NG suction Diarrhea Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypokalemia
Drug-induced: amph B
Laxatives
Steroids
Loop diuretics**
Hypokalemia
Mild-moderate hypokalemia: mEq/L
2.5-3.5 mEq/L
Severe/critical hypokalemia: mEq/L
<2.5 mEq/L
Who are we especially worried about when we see hypokalemia?
Digoxin users
Those with pre-existing arrhythmias
S/S of hypokalemia are not usually seen until [K+] < ____ mEq/L
3 mEq/L
“Patient complaints” of hypokalemia: (<3 mEq/L)
Muscle weakness
Decreased tendon reflex
Myalgia
EKG abnormalities of hypokalemia=
ST depression
Inverted T waves
Elevated U waves
Clinical observations: Cardiac arrhythmias EKG abnormalities Digoxin toxicity HTN
Hypokalemia
Non-symptomatic patient’s [K+]= 3-3.5 mEq/L…treatment?
Non-pharmacologic intervention is OK
Diet switch to higher potassium foods (bananas, meat, broccoli, nuts)
Patient’s [K+] < 3 mEq/L…treatment Y/N?
Yes
Patient is symptomatic of hypokalemia…do you proceed with treatment, Y/N? (Regardless of K lab value?)
Yes
Digoxin user with [K+]< ___ mEq/L warrants treatment.
< 3.5 mEq/L
5 general treatments for hypokalemia
- Oral replacement products
- IV replacement (NPO or moderate-severe deficiency)
- K+ sparing diuretic (for diuretic-induced hypokalemia)
- Correct hypomagnesemia
- Evaluate acid/base balance