Potassium Flashcards
potassium range
3.5 - 5.0
influences what?
skeletal and cardiac muscle activity
regulated by
Na-K
minor variances are significant - T or F
true
which system helps keep potassium balanced?
renal system
does the body conserve potassium?
NO
obtained?
diet
absorbed ?
intestines
excreted ?
kidneys/bowels
hypokalemia is less than
3.5
hypokalemia causes
Drugs (diuretics, laxatives, insulin)
Inadequate consumption of K (NPO, anorexia, nausea)
Too much H2O intake
Cushings Syndrome (high aldosterone)
Heavy fluid loss
hypokalemia signs and symptoms
SLOW and LOW
-weak irregular pulse
-orthostatic hypotension
-shallow resp.
-confusion, weak
-DTR decreased
-decreased bowel sounds
-lethary
-low, shallow resp.
-lethal cardiac dysrhythmias!!!!!!
-lots of urine
-leg cramps
-limp muscles
-low BP and heart
renal loss of K+
-diuretics
-hyperaldosteronism
-high dose sodium PCNs
-large dose corticosteroids
hypokalemia - cardiac changes
-decreased strength of contraction
-myocardium irritability
- <2.7 at risk for lethal dysrhythmias
-metabolic alkalosis (high pH, high HCO3)
-digoxin toxicity
hypokalemia medical treatment
-K+ replacement (PO or IV)
-increase on a daily basis (40-80/day)
-at risk pt. (50-100/day)
-K+ rich foods
-treat the underlying cause
things to remember with oral K+
-minimize GI upset
-give with food and water
-adverse - n/v/d, GI bleed
IV K+
-must be diluted
-IV pump (no IVpush)
-max dose is 60 mEq at a time
-monitor renal output
-put on heart monitor
-monitor IV site
hypokalemia nursing interventions
-identify pt at risk
-monitor ECG and BP, serum K+, urine output
-pt. education - diuretics and laxatives
-administer K+ supplements
-high dietary intake
hyperkalemia causes
Cellular movement (ICF->ECF)
Adrenal insufficiency w/addisons dz.
Renal failure - #1
Excessive K+ intake
Drugs (ACEs, NSAIDs, beta blockers)
hyperkalemia signs and symptoms
Muscle weakness
Urine production little/none
Resp. failure
Decrease cardiac contractility
Early signs of muscle twitches/cramps
Rhythm changes
hyperkalemia cardiac changes
-slows heart rate
-risk for A-fib, V-fib
-severe K+ increase - decreased heart contraction strength, dilated and flaccid heart
hyperkalemia labs
> 5 K+
ECG abnormalities
ABGs - acidosis (low pH)
hyperkalemia medical treatment
-K+ restricted diet
-stop K+ containing meds
-monitor for dig. toxicity
-kayexalate - no for GI pts.
-dialysis
hyperkalemia emergency medical treatment
-ca+ gluconate (pt. on telemetry)
-hypertonic glucose and insulin
-sodium bicarbonate
nursing interventions hyperkalemia
-be aware of pt. at risk
-monitor for : generalized weakness, irritability and GI symptoms, nausea and intestinal colic, ECG or lab abnormalities
-prevention of hyperkalemia
-educate pt. : med and diet
-do NOT draw blood above K+ infusion site
