Potassium

Question 1

Potassium levels

Answer 1

3.5-5 mEq/L

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

Located in ICF
cell metabolism, protein synthesis, resting potential in cardiac tissue

Question 3

Complications

Answer 3

Fatal Cardiac Arrhythmia’s

Question 4

Hypokalemia

Answer 4

Causes
Diuretic loss
Magnesium depletion (impairs K across tubules)
Cofactor for Na/K ATPase pump
Symptoms: Weakness, nausea, vomitting, arryhtmias, cramping, muscle weakness
Treatment
levels 3-3.4 = oral potassium with cardiac patients
<3 with symptoms : IV potassium (for pts that have levels <2.5-3, have signs and symptoms including ECG and Muscle spasms, and unable to tolerate oral)
Administration
Without cardiac monitoring: 10mEq/hr
With cardiac monitoring: 20 mEq/hr

Question 5

Hyperkalemia

Answer 5

Mild 5.5-6
Moderate 6.1-6.9
severe >7
Symptoms: peaked T wave on EKG, VF or asystole at >9
Treatment >7mEq/L
- calcium (prevent cardiac issues)
-Albuterol or bicarb or insulin + glucose + dextrose
- Kayexalate/ Lokelma or diuretics (furosemide)
Chronic Treatment : Patiromer (valtassa)