Hypokalemia

Question 1

causes

Answer 1

chronic use of diuretics
GI loss
excess renal loss and alkalosis

Question 2

S/S

Answer 2

muscular weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps

constipation or ileus d/t smooth muscle involvement

Question 3

S/S if severe < 2.5

Answer 3

flaccid paralysis
tetany
hyporeflexia
rhabdomyolsis

Question 4

ECG findings

Answer 4

decreased amplitude
broad T waves
prominent U waves
PVCs, V tach or V fib

Question 5

Mgmt if >2.5 with no ECG abnormalities

Answer 5

oral replacement

Question 6

Replacement if unable to take PO

Answer 6

10 mEq/hr

Question 7

Mgmt if <2.5 or severe s/s present

Answer 7

40 mEq/L/hr IV
check q 3 hours
continuous cardiac monitoring

Question 8

If K replacement is noncorrective

Answer 8

check Mg