Potassium functions and imbalances

Question 1

What is the major role of K?

Answer 1

Electrical impulse transmission of nerves and muscles.

Question 2

What organ does K play a major role in regulating?

Answer 2

Heart. Lots of conductive activity taking place.

Question 3

What is considered a critically low level for K in adults?

Answer 3

Less than 3.0 mEq/L

Question 4

What medication commonly causes hypokalemia through urinary loss?

Answer 4

• Loop diuretics
• thiazide diuretics
• osmotic diuretics

Question 5

Major complications related to critically low K?

Answer 5

• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Respiratory paralysis
• Paralytic ileus
• Hypotension
• Rhabdomyolysis

Question 6

When it comes to K supplementation it is considered a high alert medication when administered through which route?

Answer 6

Intravenous.
NEVER EVER PUSH IV POTASSIUM, IF YOU DO YOUR PATIENT WILL DIE

Question 7

When potassium is administered intravenously, what is the most important thing to do?

Answer 7

DILUTE THAT SHIT, NEVER PUSH IT BY ITSELF, IF YOU DO YOUR PATIENT’S HEART WILL STOP AND THEY WILL DIE.

Question 8

What are the top five foods that have the greatest amount of K per serving?

Answer 8

1. Baked potato (941 mg)
2. Prune juice (707 mg)
3. Carrot juice (689 mg)
4. White beans (595 mg)
5. Plain yogurt (579 mg)

Question 9

What is the critical value range for elevated K?

Answer 9

> 6.1 mEq/L

Question 10

What is the most common cause of hyperkalemia?

Answer 10

Renal failure

Question 11

What medications that commonly cause hyperkalemia?

Answer 11

• K sparring diuretics
• NSAIDS
• ACE inhibitors

Question 12

Common manifestations seen when K is elevated?

Answer 12

• Cardiac dysrhythmias
• Palpitations
• Nausea/vomiting
• Muscle aches/weakness
• Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• Paralysis

Question 13

What are some ways hyperkalemia is treated?

Answer 13

• Hemodialysis if pt has renal failure
• Ca gluconate
• Diurectis
• Insulin
• Kayexalate