Week 9 - Lab Values - Potassium

Question 1

What are the normal values for potassium?

Answer 1

3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Question 2

What are the characteristics of potassium?

Answer 2

• most abundant intracellular cation (ICF)
• most common electrolyte imbalance
• majority found in skeletal muscles (think muscle cramps, weakness, twitching)
• regulated by Na+/K+ pumps
• insulin regulation (stimulates insulin secretion)

Question 3

T/F: We are able to store potassium.

Answer 3

False, we do not have K+ storage.

Question 4

What are the functions of potassium?

Answer 4

• facilitates nerve impulse conduction
• essential for cardiac function (myocardium needs K; helps maintain BP)
• skeletal and smooth muscle contractions (electrical activity - smooth muscle = GI motility)

Question 5

What happens when insulin increases?

Answer 5

When insulin increases, an enzyme in the Na+/K+ pump → facilitate entry of K+ into the cell so we keep K away from ECF and in the ICF — Insulin opens up the cells in our body so glucose and K+ can come into cells

Question 6

What values are considered hypokalemia?

Answer 6

Anything less than 3.5 mEq/L

Question 7

What are the possible causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 7

• Gastric losses, like vomiting and diarrhea
• Inadequate dietary intake
• Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
• Diuretics, like furosemide

Question 8

What are the symptoms of hypokalemia?

Answer 8

• Alterations in the CV and neuromuscular function
(dysrrhymias, weakness, cramps, muscle aches, respiratory muscle weakness [affects deep breathing] GI function [↓ motility]
• Impaired glucose tolerance ( ↓ insulin release causes hyperglycemia)

Question 9

What are nursing implications for hypokalemia?

Answer 9

• Increase K+ levels (supplements, IVs, or foods like bananas, beans, green leafy veggies)
• Assess cardiac rhythms (regular or irregular)
• Assess skeletal system (CMS, weakness, cramps)
• Assess respiratory system (muscle weakness affects deep breathing, check O2 stat)
• Assess GI system (hypoactive bowel sounds)
• Assess glucose levels (↓ K+ = ↓ insulin release = hypoglycemia)
• Nasogastric tube? have labs drawn daily → pulls electrolytes daily

Question 10

What are the labs values for hyperkalemia?

Answer 10

Anything greater than 5.0 mEq/L

Question 11

What are the possible causes of hyperkalemia?

Answer 11

• Excessive K+ intake (K+ IV fluids)
• K+ sparing drugs (diuretics, remove electrolytes except K+)
• Overuse of salt substitutes, like Mrs Dash (high in K)

Question 12

What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Answer 12

• Cardiac function disturbances (arrhythmias, dysrhythmias)
• Skeletal function changes (muscle cramping/ weakness)
• Gastrointestinal (↑ GI motility = diarrhea, lose stools, frequency, hyperactive bowel sounds, cramping)

Question 13

What are the nursing implications of hyperkalemia?

Answer 13

• Assess cardiac rhythm (regular/irregular)
• Assess CMS (numbness, tingling of extremities)
• Assess safety measures (fall precautions)
• Assess character of stools (diarrhea)
• Assess medication use (K+ sparing diuretics)
• Avoid salt substitutes (Mrs Dash)