Hypokalemia Flashcards
Hypokalemia
Low potassium in blood
Normal: 3.5-5.1- so this is less then 3.5 and below 2.5 or less is considered dangerous
Potassium is responsible for heart/cardiac
Causes of hypokalemia
Remember the phase “the body is trying to DITCH potassium”
D- diuretics (urinating a lot)
I- inadequate intake of potassium (anorexia, nausea,vomiting)
T- too much water (dilute potassium in blood)
C-crushing syndrome: increase secretion of aldosterone- throws potassium level off
H- heavy fluid loss: diarrhea, sweating,GI suctioning, wound drainage,
Potassium over from extracellular to intracellular for alkalosis
Signs and symptoms of low potassium
Remember everything is slow and low
Fatigue Anorexia Muscle weakness Decreased GI motility Dysrhythmias- abnormal rhythm Orthostatic hypotension Decreased bowel sounds Depressed ST segment and flat T wave on ECG Weak pulse Paresthesia- tingling in arms, hand, legs
7 L’s to remember
Lethargic Low, shallowLethal cardiac changes Loss of urine Leg cramps Limp muscles Low blood pressure and heart rate
Nursing interventions
Monitor input and outtake
Monitor potassium level
If client is taking digoxin, monitor pulse and observe for toxicity
If levels are less then 2.5 then give potassium infusion ( never give IVP, subcutaneous, or Intramuscular)
Administer potassium supplements- give with food can cause GI upset
Encourage intake of foods rich in potassium: potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, avocados,strawberries,spinach, fish, mushrooms
Watch magnesium because they go hand in hand so if potassium is low then magnesium is
- if potassium must be diluted and administered into a central vein slowly, check veins because they can be hard on them
Potassium rich foods
Potatoes, pork Oranges Tomatoes Strawberries Spinach Fish Mush rooms Cantaloupe Carrots Raisins Bananas
