POTASSIUM Flashcards
It is the primary cation in ICF that plays vital role in cell metabolism,
cardiac and neuromuscular function
Potassium
Causes of hypokalemia
SPAL
Severe vomiting
Potassium wasting diuretics
Alkalosis
L and D
Clinical manifestation of hypokalemia
DDEPAMF
Deep tendon reflex
Diminished pulse
ECG changes
Paralytic ileus/constipation
Anorexia
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Hypokalemia ECG
PID
Pathologic U wave
Inverted T wave
Depressed QRS wave
Diet for hypokalemia
High potassium diet
(Banana, dried fruits, orange, raw carrot, raw tomato,
baked potato, melon (cantaloupe), watermelon)
DOC for hypokalemia
Potassium chloride
How potassium chloride given to the patient?
slow IV drip
Fast drip in giving potassium chloride IV may cause
Dysrhythmias and
cardiac arrest
In giving potassium chloride ensure that the urine output is
30 mL/h (no pee, no K)
Administer potassium chloride slowly . IV infusion concentrations shouldn’t
exceed to?
60mEq/L
Rates of potassium chloride do not exceed to?
20mEq/hr
A serum or plasma potassium level above the upper limits of normal
Hyperkalemia
Causes of hyperkalemia
PAR
Potassium sparing diuretics
Acidosis
Renal failure
Early manifestation of hyperkalemia
PID
Paresthesia
Irritability
Diarrhea
Late sign of hyperkalemia
Muscle weakness
Other signs of hyperkalemia
NMT
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle twitching
Tremors
ECG of a patient during hyperkalemia
PWELT
Prolonged PR interval
Wide QRS
Elevated ST
Loss of P wave
Tall T wave
Management for hyperkalemia
CDDKL
Calcium gluconate
Dialysis
D10W with regular insulin per IV
Kayexalate
Low potassium diet
Antidote for hyperkalemia
Calcium gluconate
DOC for metabolic acidosis
Sodium bicarbonate
Transport glucose with K back to cells
Insulin
To attach K to glucose
Glucose
Sodium polysterene sulfate, cation resin exchange
Given orally/rectal – to exchange sodium for potassium in the GI tract
Kayexalate
