Hyperkalemia

Question 1

Most of the body’s potassium is found in the _______________ part of the cell compared to the extracellular which is where sodium is mainly found

Answer 1

intracellular

Question 2

potassium is responsible for _________ impulse conduction and _________ contraction.

Answer 2

nerve; muscle

Question 3

The Body CARED too much about Potassium”

causes of hyperkalemia

Answer 3

Cellular Movement of Potassium from Intracellular to extracellular (burns, tissue damages, acidosis)

Adrenal Insufficiency with Addison’s Disease

Renal Failure

Excessive Potassium intake

Drugs (potassium-sparing drugs like aldactone (spiroaldactone), Triamterene, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS

Question 4

signs & symptoms of hyperkalemia

MURDER

Answer 4

Muscle weakness

Urine production little or none (renal failure)

Respiratory failure (due to the decreased ability to use breathing muscles or seizures develop)

Decreased cardiac contractility (weak pulse, low blood pressure)

Early signs of muscle twitches/cramps…late profound weakness, flaccid

Rhythm changes: Tall peaked T waves, flat p waves, Widened QRS and prolonged PR interval

Question 5

Remember the word POTASSIUM for food rich in potassium

Answer 5

Potatoes, pork

Oranges

Tomatoes

Avocados

Strawberries,

Spinach

fIsh

mUshrooms

Musk Melons: cantaloupe

Also included are carrots, cantaloupe, raisins, bananas.

Question 6

______________ is sometimes ordered and given PO or via enema. This drug promotes GI sodium absorption which causes potassium excretion.
Doctor may order potassium _________ drugs like Lasix or Hydrochlorothiazide

Administer a _____________ solution of glucose and regular insulin to pull the potassium into the cell

Answer 6

Kayexalate; wasting; hypertonic

Question 7

any potassium level higher than _____________ is especially dangerous

Answer 7

7.0

Question 8

how does hyperkalemia affect the ECG ?

Answer 8

Prolonged PR interval
wide QRS
tall, peaked T waves
flat or absent P waves

Question 9

interventions for the patient with hyperkalemia

monitor the patients cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, GI status

_____________IV potassium infusion or hold supplements

initiate K+ restrictive diet

prepare patient for ________________-

Answer 9

stop; dialysis

Question 10

Lasix is a potassium _____________ drug

Answer 10

wasting