Electrolytes Flashcards
(166 cards)
Most K+ is located where in the body? Does this affect replacement frequency?
In the cells; Yes, you may need multiple bolus administrations to bring serum K+ up to normal when in a deficit due to unknown deficit in the tissues
As pH increases, how is K+ affected? pH decrease?
Increase in pH = more K+ into cell (Hypokalemia risk)
Decrease in pH = more K+ into serum (Hyperkalemia risk)
How does low K+ affect insulin? high K+?
Low K+ = inhibition of insulin release
High K+ = increased release of insulin
Hypokalemia severity classification
[K+] <3.5
a. Mild to Moderate = 3.5 to 2.5
b. Severe = <2.5
Digoxin therapy: Less than 3.5 = concern
Signs/Symptoms of hypokalemia
- muscle weakness
- myalgia
- decreased tendon reflex
- cardiac symptoms
- HTN / EKG abnormalities / Arrhythmias
When do you initiate drug therapy of K+?
If patient is symptomatic
If patient has [K+] < 3.0 mEq/L (<3.5 for digoxin pts)
Whats the usual adult dosage for K+ supplementation?
20 to 80 mEq PO QD
Who should we be careful with K+ supplementation? Why?
Diabetics = insulin release issues
ACE-Inhibitor pts = may induce HYPERkalemia
Renal dysfunction = decreased excretion
K+ Infusion rate rules:
<10 mEq/hr does not need telemetry
10 to 20 mEq/hr requires telemetry
Max IV rate of K+ = 20 mEq/hr
Primary Intracellular electrolytes
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Primary Extracellular electrolytes
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Chloride
What electrolyte problem must you correct to reduce K+ wasting?
hypomagnesemia; K+ needs Mg2+ for absorption
Hyperkalemia severity classification
Moderate: [K+] > 5.5 + T wave peak/PR prolongation
Severe: [K] > 7 + Prolonged QRS/VFib
Complete block @ [K+] conc. > 8mEq/L
How do you treat a symptomatic HYPERkalemic patient?
- IV Calcium STAT: 1 g push
- Insulin and GLU: promote increase K+ to cells and prevention of hypoglycemia via increased insulin release
- Loop diuretics to increase excretion
- Kayexelate to increase excretion
- Hemodialysis to excrete excess
Hypomagnesemia Signs/Symptoms
CNS: lethargy, weakness, confusion
CV: V-tach, V-fib, ventricular premature contraction
Treatment for Hypomagnesemia
a. Symptomatic and [Mg] <1
b. [Mg] <1 mg/dL w/o symptoms
c. [Mg] >1 mg/dL w/o symptoms
a. IV Mag Sulfate: 2 gram bolus + 0.5 to 1 mEq/kg/day to replenish stores over 2-5 days
b. . IV Mag Sulfate: No bolus! - continuous infusion
c. Oral Mag Supplement: Mag Oxide 400 to 800 mg QID
Hypermagnesemia Signs/Symptoms
[Mg] > 8.0 mg/dL Absent deep tendon reflexes Muscle weakness Sedative-like effect Vasodilation Diarrhea
Treatment for Hypermagnesemia
Discontinue magnesium treatment
Use Calcium to reverse effects
Give diuretic to promote excretion
Hypocalcemia severity classification
Mild to Moderate = <8.5 to 6.0mg/dL
Severe = Total serum [Ca] <6.0 mg/dL
Hypercalcemia severity classification
Mild to Moderate = >10.5 to 13 mg/dL
Severe = Total serum [Ca] >13 mg/dL
Calcium is 50% bound to what in the plasma? What does this influence?
ALBUMIN
- amount of active calcium
- pH of the blood is raised as more calcium is BOUND
What hormone increases calcium reabsorption to raise levels to normal?
PTH: Parathyroidhormone
What medication is a common cause of elevated calcium levels?
THIAZIDE DIURETICS
Hypercalcemia Signs/Symptoms
[Ca] > 10.5 Constipation, Nausea and Vomiting Others: Confusion lethargy weakness HYPOreflexia Renal chg: polyuria & stones CVD: HTN, heart