Potassium Flashcards
1
Q
What is the purpose of potassium?
A
- It plays a role in cellular depolarization (activation) and repolarization (deactivation)
- Moves into the cell while sodium moves out of the cell
2
Q
What is hyperkalemia?
A
serum potassium level >5.5
Critical values around 7.0
3
Q
What things can cause hyperkalemia?
A
- renal failure
- potassium-sparing diuretic use
- excessive potassium intake
- adrenal insufficiency
- acidosis
- Severe tissue trauma and burns
- starvation
- some medications
4
Q
What are the manifestations of hyperkalemia?
A
- tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS
- dysrhythmias
- Cardiac arrest
- nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
- paresthesias
5
Q
What is the management of hyperkalemia?
A
- administration of calcium gluconate, insulin, and glucose polystyrene sulfonate
- diuretics if renal excretion is normal
6
Q
What is the acronym to remember the s/s of hyperkalemia?
A
MURDER
7
Q
What does the acronym MURDER stand for?
A
Muscle cramps Urine abnormalities Respiratory distress Decreased cardiac contraction EKG changes Reflexes
8
Q
What is hypokalemia?
A
Serum K+ level <3.5
Critical values <2.5
9
Q
What things can cause hypokalemia?
A
- potassium-depleting diuretic use
- corticosteroid use
- Some antibiotics
- Severe vomiting
- GI suctioning
- Alkalosis
- Long-term IV fluid use without addition of K+
10
Q
What are the manifestations of hypokalemia?
A
- dysrhythmias
- flat or inverted T waves
- anorexia
- decreased bowel sounds
- ileus
- muscle cramps
- increased risk for digoxin toxicity
- suppressed insulin secretion
11
Q
How is hypokalemia typically managed?
A
replacement of potassium salts
12
Q
What is the acronym to remember Hypokalemia?
A
A SIC WALT
13
Q
What does A SIC WALT stand for?
A
Alkalosis
Shallow respirations
Irritability
Confusion and drowsiness
Weakness and fatigue
Arrhythmias
Lethargy
Thready pulse
