deck 6: potassium quick recall

main signs of hypokalemia

• muscle weakness

• shallow respirations

• mental status changes

• arrhythmias

• possible cardiac arrest

why can hypokalemia cause shallow respirations

low potassium weakens the respiratory muscles

hypokalemia interventions

• treat the cause

• offer potassium rich foods

• administer prescribed potassium replacements

main signs of hyperkalemia

• muscle twitching and cramps

• weakness

• diarrhea

• low BP

• arrhythmias

• possible cardiac arrest

hyperkalemia interventions

• limit dietary potassium

• hold supplements

• give prescribed potassium-lowering treatments

medications for hyperkalemia

• potassium-losing diuretic

• kayexalate

• insulin with glucose

why is insulin given for hyperkalemia

it moves potassium from the bloodstream into the cells

why is glucose given with insulin

to prevent excessive lowering of the patient’s blood glucose

food sources high in potassium

• sweet potatoes

• potatoes

• beet greens

• yogurt

• pune juice

• bananas

• orange juice

• avocados

both high and low potassium can cause what emergency

cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest