Potassium

Question 1

Basic function of potassuium

Answer 1

Intracellular excitation. Maintains cardiac muscle function. NEEDS TO BE RIGHT IN RANGE, may be no symptoms at first, but when it does happen it is dramatic

Question 2

Causes of Hypokalemia

Answer 2

“Body is trying to DITCH potassium”

Question 3

D POC

Answer 3

Drugs (beta-adrenergic agonists or antagonists, diuretics, corticosteroids),

Question 4

I POC

Answer 4

Inadequate intake of potassium ( NPO)

Question 5

T POC

Answer 5

Too much water intake

Question 6

C POC

Answer 6

Cushing’s syndrome (too much secretion of aldosterone)

Question 7

H POC

Answer 7

Heavy fluid loss (NG suction (GI secretions really rich in K+), (vomiting, diarrhea, sweating)

Question 8

S&S of Hypokalemia

Answer 8

Everything is “low and slow”

Question 9

Pulse PO

Answer 9

weak, thready, irregular

Question 10

Bowel sounds PO

Answer 10

Decreased (Constipation)

Question 11

DTR’s PO

Answer 11

Decreased

Question 12

Orthostatic… PO

Answer 12

hypotension

Question 13

EKG changes PO

Answer 13

Depressed ST segment, flat or inverted T wave, and a prominent U wave

Question 14

3 L’s PO

Answer 14

• Lethargic*
• Low, Shallow, Respirations* (Assess rate, depth, effort, and O2 sat.)
• Low BP and HR*

Question 15

NEVER give potassium through…

Answer 15

IV push, subcut, or IM injection

Question 16

IV potassium…

Answer 16

needs to be diluted and administered through an IV pump

Question 17

Causes of Hyperkalemia

Answer 17

“Body CARED too much for potassium”

Question 18

C PERC

Answer 18

Cellular movement of potassium from the intracellular to the extracellular (burns, acidosis, other tissue damage)

Question 19

A PERC

Answer 19

Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)

Question 20

R PERC

Answer 20

Renal failure, RBC infusions

Question 21

E PERC

Answer 21

Excessive potassium intake

Question 22

D PERC

Answer 22

Drugs (potassium sparing drugs, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs) Diabetes

Question 23

S&S of Hyperkalemia (tight and contracted)

Answer 23

MURDER

Question 24

M PER

Answer 24

Muscle (leg) weakness

Question 25

U PER

Answer 25

Urine production oliguria/anuria

Question 26

R PER

Answer 26

Respiratory failure

Question 27

D PER

Answer 27

Decreased cardiac (palpations, skipped heartbeats, cardiac dysrhythmias) contractibility (weak pulse , low BP, bradycardia), Diarrhea

Question 28

E PER (5)

Answer 28

Early signs of muscle twitching and cramps, tingling, numbness (paresthesia), increased DTR’s, paralysis

Question 29

R PER

Answer 29

Rhythm changes ( Tall peaked T waves, flat P waves, wide QRS complexes, prolonged PR intervals)

Question 30

Foods High in Potassium (9)2

Answer 30

Meat, fish, bananas, citrus juices, raisins, kiwi, cantaloupe, no point in cooking fruit, dairy products

Question 31

Foods Low in Potassium (3)

Answer 31

Eggs, bread, grain cereals

Question 32

Low Mag =

Answer 32

Low Potassium

Question 33

Paralytic…

Answer 33

Ileus

Question 34

Avoid loop and thiazide diuretics…

Answer 34

with hypokalemia.

Question 35

Also with hypokalemia ensure…

Answer 35

adequate gas exchange and patient safety because of fall risk.

Question 36

Most common cause of death from hyperkalemia is…

Answer 36

cardiovascular problems.