NCLEX: Hyperkalemia vs. Hypokalemia – Flashcards
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Potassium
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-excreted by the kidneys -if the kidneys are not working well, the serum K will go up -Sodium and Potassium have an inverse relationship!! *remember: priority="what's going to kill you?"*
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HYPERkalemia Causes
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kidney trouble, aldactone (makes you retain K+)
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HYPERkalemia Signs and Symptoms
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begins with muscle twitching, then proceeds to weakness, then flaccid paralysis, bradycardia *life-threatening arrhythmias= v-fib*
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Treatment for HYPERkalemia
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dialysis (kidneys aren't working), calcium gluconate decreased arrhythmias, sodium polystyrene or Kayexalate -glucose and insulin (insulin carries glucose and K+ into the cells) --worry about hypokalemia and hypoglycemia
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HYPOkalemia Causes
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vomiting, NG suction (lots of K+ in stomach), diuretics, not eating
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HYPOkalemia Signs and Symptoms
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Muscle cramps, weakness, PVCs, u waves *life-threatening arrhythmias=v-tach*
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Treatment for HYPOkalemia
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give K+, aldactone makes pt retain K+, EAT more K+
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Miscellaneous Information
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-Major problem with PO K+ = GI upset (give with food) -Assess UO before/during IV K+ -MIX WELL -Never give IV K+ push -Burns during infusion =can give with lidocaine, may have to decrease the infusion
