Electrolytes - Potassium

Question 1

What is Potassium’s normal range?

Answer 1

3.5-5.0

Question 2

What is hypokalemia? causes? s&s?

Answer 2

less than 3.5
causes - V, gastric suctioning, potassium-wasting diuretics (Lasix), not enough intake, laxative abuse, hyperaldosteronism

s&s - Low & Slow

1. Heart - flat T waves, ST depression, & prominent U wave
2. Muscular - Decreased DTR, Muscle cramping, flaccid paralysis
3. GI - decreased motility, hypoactive to absent bowel sounds, Constipation, abdominal distention, paralytic ileus

Question 3

What is hyperkalemia? causes? s&s?

Answer 3

> 5.0
causes - renal failure, massive trauma, hemolysis, potassium sparing diuretics, acidosis

s&s - Tight & Contracted

1. Heart - ST elevation, Peaked T Waves, Sever V fib, Hypotension, Brady Cardia
2. GI Tract - D, Hyperactive bowel sounds
3. Neuromuscular - Paralysis in extremities, increased DTR, profound muscle weakness

Question 4

What is special about Potassium when giving it?

Answer 4

Never IV Push Potassium - will stop heart if you do
And if they are receiving a bolus of K+, they must be put on telemetry before starting the infusion
Dilute it because it burns
Infuse slowly -10 mEg in 1 hour

Question 5

What is potassium important for?

Answer 5

Nerve & muscle cells
Main Cation in ICF
involved in protein making 
Move into cell by Na-K pump
regulated by kidneys via reabsorption and excretion
Conduction electrical property 
Specific to the heart

Question 6

Why are kidneys important for potassium?

Answer 6

Only thing that can get rid of potassium