Potassium: Fluid Electrolyte

Potassium (K+) Normal Range

3.5-5

Hypokalemia <3.5

Hyperkalemia >5

Potassium Purpose

fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function

Hypokalemia <3.5 Cause

• diuretic

• laxative

• NG tube suction

• Vomit

• Diarrhea

• Dialysis

• Cushing

• NPO

• Water intoxication

Hypokalemia Manifestations

Cardio: dysrhythmia, Flat/invert T wave, U Wave, Depressed ST segment , Hypotension

Neuro: muscle weak, leg cramp, fatigue

Resp: shallow respiration

GI: abdominal distention, N/V, decreased bowel motility

Renal: diluted urine

Hypokalemia Nursing Intervention

• Intake/Output

• Cardiac monitor

• Neuro checks: LOC

• Resp checks: rate, lung sounds

• GI: bowel sounds

Hypokalemia Medications

• Oral K+ supplements (diet_

• IV K+

Hypokalemia Diet intervention

• bananas

• melon

• citrus fruit

• salt substitute

Hyperkalemia Causes

• AKI

• K+ Sparing Diuretics

• Increased intake of Potassium

• Burns/Trauma → crushed cells

• Iatrogenic: ACE inhibitors/missed dialysis

Hyperkalemia Manifestations

Cardio: Peak T, ventricular dysrhythmia, hypotension, cardiac arrest

Neuro: restlessness, irritable, neuromuscular

Resp: dyspnea

GI: abdominal cramp, increased motility, hyperactive bowel sounds

Renal: decreased urine output

Hyperkalemia Nursing Interventions

• Intake and output

• cardiac monitoring

• breathing respirations

• dialysis

Hyperkalemia Medications

• Diuretics

• Kayexalate

• calcium gluonate

• D5%W and Insulin