Potassium 3.5-5.0

KING OF ACTION AND CONTRACTION

Hypokalemia clinical manifestation

LOW AND SLOW

• EKG changes: Flat T waves

• Anorexia

• Fatigue

• Muscle paralysis

• Constipation

• Abdominal distention

Severe effects:

• paralytic ileus, small bowel obstruction

• confusion (neuro)

• respiratory failure

Hypokalemia treatment/medications

Meds: IV potassium via drip (infuse slow, DONT PUSH), oral K+

Hypokalemia diet/teachings

Eat potassium rich foods: banana, potatoes, avocado

Hypokalemia priority nursing considerations

• Never give K through IV push (causes cardiac abnormality)

• Monitor EKG and electrolyte levels

• Monitor Input and Output, and all other vitals

Hyperkalemia clinical manifestations

TIGHT AND CONTRACTED

• Cardiac dysrhythmias - Tall peak T waves

• Bradycardia, Hypotension

• Diarrhea, hyperactive bowel sounds

• Increase in DTR

Hyperkalemia treatment/medications

Emergent Plan:

1. IV calcium gluconate (to protect heart first)

2. Insulin (moves potassium back to cell)

3. Dextrose (to raise blood glucose after insuline)

4. Maybe albuterol

Other:

• lokelma/potassium escalate (pt drinks it and it binds to potassium and then goes thru stool)

Hyperkalemia diet/teachings

Avoid potassium rich foods

Hyperkalemia priority considerations

• Monitor heart via EKG