Week 5: Potassium Flashcards
1
Q
What are the characteristics of potassium? (4)
A
- not the same water loving ability
- potassium is the most abundant positively charged electrolyte INSIDE cells
- 95% of the body’s potassium is intracellular
- potassium levels are critical to normal body function
2
Q
What are the sources of potassium? (6)
A
- fruit and fruit juices
- fish
- vegetables
- poultry
- meats
- dairy products
3
Q
Where is excess potassium excreted? (2)
A
- via kidneys
- impaired kidney function leads to higher serum levels and possible toxicity
hyperkalemia if kidneys are not working
4
Q
What is potassium responsible for in the body? (5)`
A
- muscle contraction
- transmission of nerve impulses
- regulation of heartbeat*
- maintenance of acid-base balance
- many other functions in the body
5
Q
What is hypokalemia?
A
- deficiency of potassium, less than 3.5 mmol/L
6
Q
What are the 3 major causes of kypokalemia?
A
- potassium loss
- potassium shift into cells
- Lack of potassium intake
7
Q
What causes potassium loss? (5)
A
GI loss
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- NG suction
Diuretics
8
Q
What causes potassium shift into cells? (4)
A
- increased insulin
- alkalosis
- tissue repair
- increased epinephrine (stress)
9
Q
What may cause a lack of potassium intake? (2)
A
- starvation
- low potassium diet
10
Q
What are early clinical manifestations of hypokalemia? (6)
A
- anorexia
- hypotension
- lethargy
- confusion
- muscle weakness
- nausea
11
Q
What are the late clinical manifestations of hypokalemia? (4)
A
- cardiac dysrhythmias* (spasms)
- neuropathy
- paralytic ileus
- secondary alkalosis
12
Q
What is the treatment for hypokalemia?
A
- replace K+
13
Q
What is hyperkalemia?
A
- excessive serum potassium level, over 5 mmol/L
14
Q
What are the 3 major causes of hyperkalemia?
A
- excess potassium intake
- shift out of cells
- failure to eliminate
15
Q
What may cause excess potassium intake? (2)
A
- rapid excess IV med admin
- potassium containing drugs
20
Q
Severe levels/symptoms of hyperkalemia and treatment diagram
A
