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Flashcards in Potassium Deck (20)
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1
Q

How is K excreted?

A

By kidneys

*if kidneys aren’t working well, serum K will increase

2
Q

Hyperkalemia

Causes?

A

Kidney trouble

Spironolactone

3
Q

Hyperkalemia

S/s?

A

Muscle twitching to muscle weakness to flaccid paralysis

LIFE threatening arrhythmias!!! (from the muscle twitching!)

4
Q

Hyperkalemia

Tx?

A

Dialysis (kids aren’t working)

Calcium gluconate (decreases arrhythmias)

Glucose + Insulin

Sodium polystyrene

5
Q

Hyperkalemia

Why give glucose and insulin?

A

Insulin carries glucose and K_ into cell.

*worry about hypoglycemia and hypokalemia

6
Q

Hyperkalemia

Why give calcium gluconate?

A

Decreases arrhythmias

7
Q

Hyperkalemia

Why give sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate)?

A

Exchange Na for K in the gut

8
Q

Hypokalemia

Causes?

A

Vomit
NG suction (lots of K+ in gut)
Diuretics
Not eating (won’t be getting sources of K+)

9
Q

Hypokalemia

S/s?

A

Muscle cramps (can cause life threatening arrhythmias(

Muscle weaness

10
Q

Hypokalemia

Tx?

A

Give K+

Spironolactone (to retain K+)

Eat more K+

11
Q

ECG changes with HYPERkalemia?

A
  • Bradycardia
  • Tall, peaked T waves
  • Prolonged PR interval
  • Flat/absent P waves
  • Widened QRS
  • Conduction blocks
  • Vent. fib
12
Q

ECG changes with HYPOkalemia?

A

U waves
PVC
Vent. tachy

13
Q

Major problem giving oral K+?

A

GI upset; take with food!

14
Q

Assess what before/during IV K+?

A

UO

15
Q

How to administer IV K+?

A

On a pump! NOT PUSH!!!

16
Q

T/F: Need to mix well K+ before giving IV?

A

T

17
Q

T/F: K+ doesnt irritate skin

A

F! Burns during infusion esp with strong concentration; watch IV site because K+ eats up peripheral veins

18
Q

Veg high in K?

A
Spinach
Fennel
Kale
Mustard green
Brussle sprouts
Broccoli 
Eggplant
Parsley
Cucumber
Bell pepper 
Ginger root
Cauliflower 
Lima beans 
Potatoes
Cabbage
19
Q

Fruit high in K?

A
Cantaloupe
Tomato 
Apricots
Strawberry
Avacado
Banana 
Kiwi
Oranges
20
Q

Fish high in K?

A

Tuna

Halibut