Potassium

Question 1

potassium range

Answer 1

3.5 - 5.0

Question 2

influences what?

Answer 2

skeletal and cardiac muscle activity

Question 3

regulated by

Answer 3

Na-K

Question 4

minor variances are significant - T or F

Answer 4

true

Question 5

which system helps keep potassium balanced?

Answer 5

renal system

Question 6

does the body conserve potassium?

Answer 6

NO

Question 7

obtained?

Answer 7

diet

Question 8

absorbed ?

Answer 8

intestines

Question 9

excreted ?

Answer 9

kidneys/bowels

Question 10

hypokalemia is less than

Answer 10

3.5

Question 11

hypokalemia causes

Answer 11

Drugs (diuretics, laxatives, insulin)

Inadequate consumption of K (NPO, anorexia, nausea)

Too much H2O intake

Cushings Syndrome (high aldosterone)

Heavy fluid loss

Question 12

hypokalemia signs and symptoms

Answer 12

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

Question 13

renal loss of K+

Answer 13

-diuretics
-hyperaldosteronism
-high dose sodium PCNs
-large dose corticosteroids

Question 14

hypokalemia - cardiac changes

Answer 14

-decreased strength of contraction
-myocardium irritability
- <2.7 at risk for lethal dysrhythmias
-metabolic alkalosis (high pH, high HCO3)
-digoxin toxicity

Question 15

hypokalemia medical treatment

Answer 15

-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

Question 16

things to remember with oral K+

Answer 16

-minimize GI upset
-give with food and water
-adverse - n/v/d, GI bleed

Question 17

IV K+

Answer 17

-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

Question 18

hypokalemia nursing interventions

Answer 18

-identify pt at risk
-monitor ECG and BP, serum K+, urine output
-pt. education - diuretics and laxatives
-administer K+ supplements
-high dietary intake

Question 19

hyperkalemia causes

Answer 19

Cellular movement (ICF->ECF)

Adrenal insufficiency w/addisons dz.

Renal failure - #1

Excessive K+ intake

Drugs (ACEs, NSAIDs, beta blockers)

Question 20

hyperkalemia signs and symptoms

Answer 20

Muscle weakness

Urine production little/none

Resp. failure

Decrease cardiac contractility

Early signs of muscle twitches/cramps

Rhythm changes

Question 21

hyperkalemia cardiac changes

Answer 21

-slows heart rate
-risk for A-fib, V-fib
-severe K+ increase - decreased heart contraction strength, dilated and flaccid heart

Question 22

hyperkalemia labs

Answer 22

> 5 K+
ECG abnormalities
ABGs - acidosis (low pH)

Question 23

hyperkalemia medical treatment

Answer 23

-K+ restricted diet
-stop K+ containing meds
-monitor for dig. toxicity
-kayexalate - no for GI pts.
-dialysis

Question 24

hyperkalemia emergency medical treatment

Answer 24

-ca+ gluconate (pt. on telemetry)
-hypertonic glucose and insulin
-sodium bicarbonate

Question 25

nursing interventions hyperkalemia

Answer 25

-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