Potassium Flashcards
What is the normal range for potassium?
3.5-5
Potassium shifts with ___
Hydrogen
What is the main job of potassium?
to maintain pH and maintain Action potential in neurons
What two things increase cellular uptake of potassium?
Insulin and catecholamines
What is the adequate intake of potassium?
40-60 mEq a day
Where is potassium mostly found?
in the muscles or neurons
What hormone increases excretion of potassium?
Aldosterone
What are some causes of actual hypokalemia?
Inadequate intake
Excessive renal loss
Excessive GI losses
What can cause excessive renal loss of potassium?
Kidney Failure
Hyperaldosteronism
What can cause excess loss of GI potassium?
Ng suction
illiostomy
loop diuretics
Black liquorish
In realitive hypokalemia, the potassium shifts from ____ to the ____
ECF to ICF
During Alkalosis potassium moves ____ cells and H+ moves ___
into
out of
What are 4 causes of realitive hypokalemia?
Alkalosis
INcreased insulin
Tissue repair
Water intoxication
How does hypokalemia manefest in the cardiovascular system?
it increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
Orthostatic Hypotension
**ECG changes **
How does hypokalemia manefest in the respiratory system?
Metabolic alkalosis
How does Hypokalemia affect deep tendon reflexes?
the decrease because of slow repolarization
What four aspects are monitored for during hypokalemia?
Serum potassium
ECG changes
Electrolyte levles
I&O
How does hypokalemia affect the renal system?
Causes increased urine production and inability to concentrate urine
What three lab findings support hypokalemia?
Trending plasma levels
Elevated pH and Bicarb
Elevated glucose
What three electrolytes tend to decrease with potassium?
Calcium, Chloride, and Magnesium
What types of medications can decrease potassium levels?
Diuretics
and Herbal meds that have black licorice root in them
What are the interventions for hypokalemia?
Replacement therapy
Monitoring
Restore balance
Potassium sparing diuretics
What are the three types of replacment therapies for potassium?
Dietary
Suppliments
Parenteral
What are three dietary sources of potassium?
Salt substitutes KCl
Potatoes
Bananas
Aprocots
Potassium supplements should not be given when UO is ____
less than 0.5ml/kg/hr
Parenteral potassium should not be given at a right higher than ______
20mEq and hour
What is an example of a potassium sparing diuretic?
Spirolactone
Hyperkalemia is rare with ______
normally functioning kidneys
What is the most sensitivite to increased potassium?
the myocardium
A sudden increase of potassium shows changes at _____ and gradual at ___
6-7mEq/L
8mEq/L
What are some causes of actual hyperkalemia?
excessive intake
Decreased excretion
What are 4 things that can decrease excretion of potassium?
Adrenal insufficency
Renal impairment/failure
potassium sparing diuretics
ACE inhibitors
What are five things that can cause a realitive increase in potassium?
Cellular release Pseudohyperkalemia - Hemolysis Trancellular shifting Medication Addisons disease
What are some causes of cellular release of potassium?
Cell destruction
Crush injuries
Burns
Trama
What major issue causes a transcellular shift of potassium to the ECF?
DKA
What hormone is reduced in addisons disease that causes hyperkalemia?
Aldosterone (aldosterone wastes potassium)
What are the cardio manifestations of hyperkalemia?
Irregular HR
Slow HR
Decreased BP
abnormal ECG
WHat are the neuromuscular signs of hyperkalemia?
Twitching, cramps, irritable
With prolongs hyperkalemia comes paralysis from the extremities up
What are the GI signs of hyperkalemia?
Hypermotility, cramps, N/V/D, weight loss
What do you monitor during hyperkalemia?
Serum K
ECG changes
I&O’s
ABG’s tmonitor for Acidosis
What is a theraputic treatment that can cause hyperkalemia?
Blood transfusions
What are the 5 interventions for hyperkalemia?
Decrease intake Promote excretion Monitor Restore balance Dialysis if uncontrolled
What are the 4 types of medications given for hyperkalemia?
Exchange resins
IV therapy
Potassium wasting diuretics
Beta2 agonists
What is the exchange resin for potassium?
What routes can it be given?
Kayexalate
oral or enema
What does a potassium exchange resin do?
exchanges sodium with potassium and binds potassium in gut to be wasted in feces
What are the three iv treatments for hyperkalemia?
Calcium Gluconate
Reg insulin and 50% dextrose
Bicarb
What is the function of IV calcium gluconate in the treatment of hyperkalemia?
It competes with potassium
What is the function of IV regular insulin and 50% dextrose in the treatment of hyperkalemia?
It shifts potassium back into cells
What is the function of sodium bicarb in the treatment of hyperkalemia?
It treats acidosis
What is the function of beta2 agonist’s in the treatment of hyperkalemia
drives potassium back into cells
