Hypokalaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Description of hypokalaemia?
A
Decrease In potassium in the extracellular space increasing myocardial activity.
2
Q
How do I recognise hypokalaemia?
A
- Inverted or flattened t-waves
- Increased P-wave amplitude
- Prolonged PR interval
- ST depression
- Possible U waves present after the t wave
3
Q
How do I recognise severe hypokalaemia
A
- Ectopic beats
- Supraventricular and ventricular arrythmias
4
Q
What leads is hypokalaemia present in?
A
all
5
Q
Signs and symptoms of hypokalamia
A
- Palpitations
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- paeaesthesia
6
Q
Significance of hypokalaemia
A
Where a person indicates a loss of fluid volume it is a concern for a loss of potassium and therefore hypokalaemia.
7
Q
What conditions can make a person more likely to suffer hypokalaemia?
A
- Polyuria
- excessive diarrhoea
- vomiting
- sweeting
- some pharmacological prescriptions
