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Potassium Flashcards

1
Q

What is the major cation in ICF?

A

Potassium

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2
Q

What is the role of potassium in the body

A

Cell metabolism, nerve impulse transmission, cardiac/lung/muscle function, and acid-base balance

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3
Q

What is hypokalemia?

A

Blood potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L

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4
Q

Name 3 causes of actual potassium deficits

A

Overuse of diuretics, GI losses(vomiting, diarrhea), and Cushing syndrome.

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5
Q

What are causes of relative potassium deficit?

A

Alkalosis, hyperinsulinism, water intoxication

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6
Q

What vital sign changes occur in hypokalemia?

A

Decreased BP, thready weak pulse, orthostatic hypotension

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7
Q

What ECG changes are seen in hypokalemia?

A

Flattened T wave, U wave, ST depression, prolonged PR interval

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8
Q

What GI symptoms occur in hypokalemia?

A

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, hypoactive bowel sounds

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9
Q

What is a dangerous respiratory effect of hypokalemia?

A

Shallow breathing and respiratory failure

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10
Q

How is potassium never to be administered?

A

Never via IV bolus or IM/SQ injection or IV push

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11
Q

What is the maximum IV potassium infusion rate?

A

10 mEq/L

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12
Q

What are potassium-rich foods?

A

Bananas, oranges, avocados, dried fruits, dairy, meat, whole grains

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13
Q

What serious cardiac complication can result from hypokalemia?

A

Cardiac arrest

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14
Q

What is hyperkalemia

A

Blood potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L

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15
Q

Name 3 causes of actual potassium excess

A

Kidney failure, adrenal insufficiency, overconsumption of potassium

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16
Q

Name 2 causes of relative potassium excess

A

Acidosis, tissue damage

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17
Q

What vital sign changes occur in hyperkalemia?

A

Slow, irregular pulse, hypotension

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18
Q

What ECG changes are seen in hyperkalemia?

A

Peaked T waves, widened QRS, flat P waves

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19
Q

What are neuromuscular signs of hyperkalemia?

A

Restlessness, weakness, flaccid paralysis

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20
Q

What GI finding occur in hyperkalemia

A

Diarrhea, hyperactive bowel sounds

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21
Q

What labs are increased in hyperkalemia with kidney failure?

A

BUN, creatinine, potassium

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22
Q

What medicine protects the heart in severe hyperkalemia?

A

IV calcium gluconate

23
Q

What are potassium-restricted diet reccomendations?

A

Avoid citrus fruits, legumes, whole grains; choose refined grains, apples, grapes, cabbage

24
Q

What other medication shifts potassium intracellularly besides insulin?

A

Beta-2 agonists (albuterol)

25
What chronic med is used for hyperkalemia?
Patiromer
26
What serious complication can result from hyperkalemia?
Cardia arrest
27
What interproffesional consults may be needed for hyperkalemia?
Nephrology, cardiology, and nutritional services
28
What patient teaching is essential for clients on potassium sparing diuretics?
Avoid salt substitutes and potassium-rich foods
29
Nursing interventions for hypokalemia?
Administer potassium replacement, monitor cardiac rhythm, assess respirations, encourage potassium-rich foods, and implement fall precautions
30
Nursing interventions for hyperkalemia?
Stop potassium intake, administer diuretics, give insulin with dextrose, monitor ECG, and prepare for dialysis if severe
31
What potassium imbalance is linked to diabetes ketoacidosis?
Hyperkalemia
32
What respiratory complication is associated with hypokalemia?
Respiratory muscle weakness leading to shallow breathing
33
What is an early neuromuscular sign of hyperkalemia?
Paresthesia
34
What intervention is essential before administering IV potassium?
Ensure adequate urine output
35
What ECG change is a hallmarks of hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
36
What IV solution is commonly used with insulin to treat hyperkalemia?
Dextrose 50% (D50W)
37
What potassium shift issues in alkalosis?
Potassium shifts into cells
38
What dietary habit may contribute to hyperkalemia in older adults? `
Use of salt substitutes high in potassium
39
What potassium imbalance is common with loop diuretics?
Hypokalemia
40
What is the first priority for hyperkalemia with ECG changes?
Administer calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
41
What fluid should you avoid giving rapidly to a client with hypokalemia?
Potassium chloride IV bolus
42
Why is potassium critical for cardiac function?
It regulates myocardial cell excitability and contractility
43
What is an alternative medication to insulin for shifting potassium intracellularly?
Albuterol (beta-2 agonist)
44
What is a dietary teaching point for hyperkalemia prevention?
Choose low-potassium fruits and vegetables
45
What is the most common cause of hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients?
Acute or chronic kidney failure
46
What potassium imbalance is linked to digitalis toxicity?
Hypokalemia
47
What is a potassium-lowering resin used for chronic hyperkalemia
Patiromer
48
What nursing intervention is crucial when administering Patiromer?
Administer with food and separate from other oral medications by at least 3 hours
49
What potassium imbalance can cause paralytic ileus?
Hypokalemia
50
What electrolyte imbalance should you monitor for when giving insulin and glucose for hyperkalemia?
Hypokalemia
51
What common ECG finding is associated with hypokalemia?
Presence of U waves
52
What respiratory finding may indicate hypokalemia
Shallow respirations
53

Fluid and electrolytes (7 decks)

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