Chapter 17: Fluids and Electrolytes- Hyperkalemia Flashcards
1
Q
What is the normal range for potassium level?
A
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
2
Q
What are the surgical causes of hyperkalemia?
A
- Iatrogenic overdose
- blood transfusion
- renal failure
- diuretics
- acidosis
- tissue destruction (injury/hemolysis)
3
Q
What are the ECG findings?
A
- Peaked T waves
- depressed ST segment
- prolonged PR
- wide QRS
- bradycardia
- ventricular fibrillation
4
Q
What are the critical values?
A
K+ >6.5
5
Q
What is the nonacute treatment?
A
- Furosemide (Lasix®)
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate®)
6
Q
What is the acronym for the treatment of acute symptomatic hyperkalemia?
A
“CB DIAL K”:
- Calcium
- Bicarbonate
- Dialysis
- Insulin/dextrose
- Albuterol
- Lasix
- Kayexalate
7
Q
What is “pseudohyperkalemia”?
A
Spurious hyperkalemia as a result of falsely elevated K+ in sample from sample hemolysis
8
Q
What acid–base change lowers the serum potassium?
A
Alkalosis (thus, give bicarbonate for hyperkalemia)
9
Q
What nebulizer treatment can help lower K+level?
A
Albuterol
