Potassium Flashcards
1
Q
How much K do we need per day
A
40 mEq/L
-body does not conserve potassium, important to take in everyday
2
Q
What does K do?
A
- assists in muscle contractions
- affects cardiac tissue responsiveness
- affects acid base imbalance
3
Q
Aldosterone and K
A
Causes excretion of K
4
Q
Sources of K
A
Chocolates Meats Potatoes Bananas Oranges
5
Q
Hypokalemia
A
K
6
Q
Causes of hypokalemia
A
- too manny diuretics(Lasix,hctz)
- GI fluid loss
- steroids:loss from kidneys
- insulin
- alkalosis
7
Q
S/S of hypokalemia
A
- muscle weakness
- arrhythmias(flat T wave)
- leg weakness
- constipation
- assess resp status
- weak thready pulse
- orthostatic hypotension
8
Q
When giving potassium IV
A
- may be uncomfortable
- infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hr
- NEVER give K IV push
- IV bags come in 20 or 40 mEq/L in either 1 liter bag or piggy back 250ml bag
9
Q
Hyperkalemia
A
- above 5mEq/L
- the technique of lab draw can effect K levels
10
Q
Why hyperkalemia?
A
- low kidney function
- excessive intake of salt sub., IV/oral supps
- k sparing diuretics
- chemo or trauma(broken cells release K to serum)
- blood transfusion
11
Q
ECG abnormality with hyperkalemia
A
Peaked T waves
12
Q
Lowering potassium
A
- kayexalate(draws K to it in bowels and pushes out in stool)
- K restricted diet
- diuretics
- dialysis
13
Q
Insulin glucose IV
A
Insulin drives K back into cells and glucose is added to offset lowered sugar levels
14
Q
Normal potassium level
A
3.5-5 mEq/L
