Potassium Flashcards
How is K excreted?
By kidneys
*if kidneys aren’t working well, serum K will increase
Hyperkalemia
Causes?
Kidney trouble
Spironolactone
Hyperkalemia
S/s?
Muscle twitching to muscle weakness to flaccid paralysis
LIFE threatening arrhythmias!!! (from the muscle twitching!)
Hyperkalemia
Tx?
Dialysis (kids aren’t working)
Calcium gluconate (decreases arrhythmias)
Glucose + Insulin
Sodium polystyrene
Hyperkalemia
Why give glucose and insulin?
Insulin carries glucose and K_ into cell.
*worry about hypoglycemia and hypokalemia
Hyperkalemia
Why give calcium gluconate?
Decreases arrhythmias
Hyperkalemia
Why give sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate)?
Exchange Na for K in the gut
Hypokalemia
Causes?
Vomit
NG suction (lots of K+ in gut)
Diuretics
Not eating (won’t be getting sources of K+)
Hypokalemia
S/s?
Muscle cramps (can cause life threatening arrhythmias(
Muscle weaness
Hypokalemia
Tx?
Give K+
Spironolactone (to retain K+)
Eat more K+
ECG changes with HYPERkalemia?
- Bradycardia
- Tall, peaked T waves
- Prolonged PR interval
- Flat/absent P waves
- Widened QRS
- Conduction blocks
- Vent. fib
ECG changes with HYPOkalemia?
U waves
PVC
Vent. tachy
Major problem giving oral K+?
GI upset; take with food!
Assess what before/during IV K+?
UO
How to administer IV K+?
On a pump! NOT PUSH!!!
T/F: Need to mix well K+ before giving IV?
T
T/F: K+ doesnt irritate skin
F! Burns during infusion esp with strong concentration; watch IV site because K+ eats up peripheral veins
Veg high in K?
Spinach Fennel Kale Mustard green Brussle sprouts Broccoli Eggplant Parsley Cucumber Bell pepper Ginger root Cauliflower Lima beans Potatoes Cabbage
Fruit high in K?
Cantaloupe Tomato Apricots Strawberry Avacado Banana Kiwi Oranges
Fish high in K?
Tuna
Halibut
