Fluid and Electrolytes II

What is the normal value for K+?

3.5-5.0 mEq/L
What are two things that cause intracellular shifting which can lead to hypokalemia?
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Drugs
- Total body deficit: Poor dietary intake of potassium
- Excessive loss: extra-renal, renal
What drugs can cause hypokalemia due to intracellular shifting?
- Beta-2 agonists (albuterol)
- Theophylline
- Insulin
What are extra-renal losses that can cause hypokalemia?
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
What are drugs that can cause renal loss of K+?
- Diuretics
- Amphotericin
What electrolyte disorder can contribute to hypokalemia?

Hypomagnesemia
What is the most common clinical presentation of hypokalemia?

Cardiovascular
What is the clinical presentation of hypokalemia?
- Muscle cramping
- Impaired muscle contraction
- EKG changes: bradycardia, ST segment depression or flattening
- Cardiac arrhythmias: heart block, v. fib
What levels are classified as mild hypokalemia?

3.0-3.5 mEq/L
What levels are classified as moderate to severe hypokalemia?

< 3.0 mEq/L
How would you treat mild hypokalemia?

Oral potassium supplement: Potassium Cl tablets, powders
What limits the amount of oral potassium that can be given at a time?

GI upset with high doses
What is the highest amount of PO potassium that can be given at one time to decrease GI upset?

20 mEq per dose

Author

rclee06

151138

Card Set

Fluid and Electrolytes II

Description

Renal

Updated

2012-04-30T17:06:13Z

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