K

Electrolyte Imbalances: Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium (Week 7)

HYPOKALEMIA - TREATMENT

  • Foods high in potassium:
    • Baked potato
    • Banana
    • Nonfat yogurt
    • Prune juice
  • Oral potassium supplement
  • IV potassium
  • Laboratory reference values (as shown on slide):
    • \text{Na}^+ = 136-145\ \text{mEq/L}
    • \text{Ca}^{2+} = 9-10.5\ \text{mg/dL}
    • \text{Mg}^{2+} = 13-21\ \text{mEq/L}

HYPERKALEMIA - SEVERE

  • Cardiac dysrhythmias
  • Muscle weakness
  • Paralysis

HYPONATREMIA - SYMPTOMS

  • MILD
    • Lethargy
    • Confusion
  • SEVERE
    • Headache
    • Restlessness
    • Irritability
    • Seizures
    • Coma
  • TREATMENT
    • Fluid restriction

HYPERNATREMIA - TREATMENT

  • IV fluids
  • Avoid foods high in sodium

HYPOCALCEMIA - NOTES

  • Trousseau sign (often associated with hypocalcemia)
  • Chvostek sign