Hyperkalemia vs Hypokalemia

Question 1

Potassium

Answer 1

• excreted by the kidneys
• if the kidneys are not working well, the serum K will go up
• Sodium and Potassium have an inverse relationship!!
  remember: priority=”what’s going to kill you?”

Question 2

HYPERkalemia Causes

Answer 2

kidney trouble, aldactone (makes you retain K+)

Question 3

HYPERkalemia Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

begins with muscle twitching, then proceeds to weakness, then flaccid paralysis, bradycardia
life-threatening arrhythmias= v-fib

Question 4

Treatment for HYPERkalemia

Answer 4

dialysis (kidneys aren’t working), calcium gluconate decreased arrhythmias, sodium polystyrene or Kayexalate
-glucose and insulin (insulin carries glucose and K+ into the cells) –worry about hypokalemia and hypoglycemia

Question 5

HYPOkalemia Causes

Answer 5

vomiting, NG suction (lots of K+ in stomach), diuretics, not eating

Question 6

HYPOkalemia Signs and Symptoms

Answer 6

Muscle cramps, weakness, PVCs, u waves

life-threatening arrhythmias=v-tach

Question 7

Treatment for HYPOkalemia

Answer 7

give K+, aldactone makes pt retain K+, EAT more K+

Question 8

Miscellaneous Information

Answer 8

• Major problem with PO K+ = GI upset (give with food)
• Assess UO before/during IV K+
• MIX WELL
• Never give IV K+ push
• Burns during infusion =can give with lidocaine, may have to decrease the infusion