QUIZ 2 POTASSIUM IMBALANCES

Question 1

Potassium Imbalances:

Answer 1

Hyperkalemia & Hypokalemia

Question 2

The major cation in the intracellular fluid (ICF).

Answer 2

Potassium K+.

Question 3

Normal Range potassium

Answer 3

: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Question 4

Potassium (K+) functions

Answer 4

Aids in Heart & Muscle Contractility -
Participates in Sodium
Maintains osmotic pressure
Send nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions -
GI motility, kidney & lung functions

Question 5

is an essential mineral and electrolyte as it’s highly reactive in water.

Answer 5

Potassium (K+)

Question 6

Regulating your heartbeat and blood pressure

Answer 6

Aids in Heart & Muscle Contractility

Question 7

Potassium Pump
Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up.

Answer 7

Participates in Sodium

Question 8

5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L =

Answer 8

mild hyperkalemia

Question 9

6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L

Answer 9

moderate hyperkalemia

Question 10

above 7 mEq/L =

Answer 10

severe hyperkalemia

Question 11

Signs and Symptoms: HYPERKALEMIA

MURDER

Answer 11

Muscle weakness/cramps
Urine, oliguria, anuria
Respiratory distress
Decrease cardiac contractility
EKG changes
Reflexes ( hyper or areflexia)

Question 12

Causes : HYPERKALEMIA
MACHINE

Answer 12

Medications, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs
Acidosis, metabolic & respiratory
Cellular destruction - burns, traumatic injury
Hypoaldosteronism, Hemolysis
Intake (excessive)
Nephrons (renal failure)
Excretion impaired

Question 13

Treatment “C BIG K Drop”

Answer 13

Calcium gluconate (stabilizes cardiac membrane)
Beta-2-agonist(albuterol neb q2-4hrs), Bicarb (shift K+ to the cell)
Insulin
Glucose

Question 14

removal of K+ / immediate/ to manage ESRD cases also

Answer 14

DIALYSIS

Question 15

Treatment: Severe Hyperkalemia is treated in 3 steps:

Answer 15

• Calcium infusion is given to rapidly REVERSE conduction abnormalities.
• Insulin to stimulate the sodium/potassium pump, promoting INTRAcellular shift
• Hemodialysis to remove potassium

Question 16

It is a metabolic disorder wherein the level of potassium in the blood is lower than normal (< 3.5 mEq/L)

Answer 16

Hypokalemia

Question 17

Causes: hypokalemia
DITCH

Answer 17

DRUGS: loop diuretics, laxatives, glucocorticoids
INADEQUATE CONSUMPTION OF K+
TOO MUCH WATER INTAKE
CUSHING’S SYNDROME
HEAVY FLUID LOSS

Question 18

causes kidneys to excrete K+

Answer 18

CUSHING’S SYNDROME

Question 19

Signs & Symptoms:Hypokalemia
abcfm

Answer 19

Arrhythmias (pt. with cardiovascular disease)
Breakdown of muscle fibers
Constipation
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or spasms, paralysis

Question 20

Signs & Symptoms (7L’s)

Answer 20

Lethargy
Low, shallow breathing
Lethal cardiac arrest
Loss of urine
Leg cramps
Limp muscles
Low BP & HR

Question 21

Treatment: Hypokalemia

Answer 21

Correct underlying disorder associated with hypokalemia.
Give potassium tablets.
Have a diet rich in potassium such as bananas, apples, oranges, milk and tomatoes.

Question 22

Sample h2 blockers

Answer 22

cimetidine (Tagamet)

Question 23

Safety Measures

Answer 23

Use of IV Infusion pump
Control of Concentrated Electrolytes
Independent double checking of RNs