Visit http://bit.ly/nrsngacademy for the full presentation. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte within the body. This presentation is perfect for nursing students to understand the role potassium plays in the body. Learn more about NRSNG and NRSNG Academy at: http://bit.ly/nrsngacademy

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POTASSIUM - K+
Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia

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POTASSIUM
● NORMAL RANGE:
○ 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
● MAIN FUNCTIONS:
○ Most abundant intracellular cation
○ Transmission of electrical impulses
○ Acid-base balance

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HYPOKALEMIA - CAUSES
Less than 3.5 mEq/L
Alkalosis
Vomiting / Diarrhea
Diuretics
↑ Adrenal Activity
Excess Insulin

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HYPOKALEMIA - SYMPTOMS
● Resp → Shallow
● Musculoskeletal → hyporeflexive
● Cardiovascular → Weak pulse, dysrhythmias
● Neuro → AMS, ↓ LOC
● GI → hypoactive

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HYPOKALEMIA - TREATMENT
Replace Potassium SLOWLY
Cardiac & Respiratory Monitoring
Potassium Sparing Diuretics
Treat Cause / Prevent more loss
Potassium Rich Foods

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HYPERKALEMIA - CAUSES
Greater than 5.0 mEq/L
Acidosis
Diabetes - DKA
Burns / Tissue Injury
Dehydration / Infection
Renal Failure
↓ Adrenal Activity

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HYPERKALEMIA - SYMPTOMS
● Cardiovascular → ↓HR, ↓ BP
● EKG Changes → dysrhythmias
● Neuromuscular → twitching
● GI → hyperactive

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HYPERKALEMIA - TREATMENT
Cardiac Monitoring
Potassium Restricted Diet
Dialysis
Potassium Decreasing Meds

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KEY POINTS
Normal Value 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Main Functions Electrical Impulse, Acid-Base Balance, Intracellular
Hypokalemia Less than 3.5 mEq/L, think “hypoactive”, Replace
Hyperkalemia Greater than 5.0 mEq/L, think “hyperactive”, Restrict/Reduce
Top Priorities Treat the cause, Protect the HEART!
01
02
03
04
05

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HAPPY
NURSING!!