Hypokalemia Flashcards
what causes hypokalemia (5)
Drugs
Inadequate intake of K
Too much water intake
Cushing’s syndrome
Heady fluid loss
what are the signs & symps of hypokal for “slow” (6)
weak, irregular pulses
orthostatic hypotension
shallow respirations
confusion, weak
deep tendon reflexes decreased
decreased bowel sounds
what are the s/s of hypokal for “low” (6)
lethargy (confusion)
low, shallow respiration
lethal cardiac dysrhythmias
leg cramps
limp muscles
low bp & heart rt
what causes a renal loss of K (4)
diuretics
hyperaldosteronism
high dose sodium PCNs (penicillins)
Large dose corticosteroids
K less than 2.7 can cause
lethal cardiac dysrhythmias
what is digoxin toxicity
too much digoxin in body
what is digoxin
med to treat hrt failure or arrhythmias
is dig tox life threatening
yes
what are the risk factors for dig tox (3)
low blood levels of K or Mg
High levels of K or Mg
Meds- diuretics, Ca channel blockers, or other meds that affect way hrt beats
what are s/s for dig tox (5)
irregular pulse
fast heartbeat
confusion
vision changes
n/v
hypokal can increase what two things
pH & bicarb
what treatment do we do for hypokal pts
replacement (IV or PO) increase on daily basis
K rich foods
treat underlying cause
oral K tabs minimize GI
irritation
give K tabs w/ ____ & _____
8 oz H20 & food
what are adverse reactions to oral K
N/V
diarrhea
GI bleed
what method can we not give K
IVP
what is max dose of K at 1 time
60 mEq
Must use IV _____ for K
pump
monitor ____ output when giving IV K
renal
put pt on ______ to monitor them
telemetry
IV K must be _____
diluted
what are nursing interventions for hypokal (6)
monitor ECG & BP
monitor K level
pt edu on diuretics & laxatives
Admin K supplements PO or Iv
increase K dietary intake
monitor urine output
