Other
NURS G099 Hypokalemia Template
- Course
- NURS MISC
- Institution
- Golden West College
This is a comprehensive and detailed template on that contains vital info on; Hypokalemia.
[Show more]
Content preview
Etiology Risk Factors§ Hypokalemia is a blood potassium level § Hyperaldosteronism
less than 3.5 mEq/L § Inadequate dietary intake (rare)
§ It is the result of an increased loss of: § Prolonged administration of non-
o Potassium from the body electrolyte containing IV solutions (5%
o Decreased intake and absorption dextrose in water)
of potassium, or movement of § Receiving total parenteral nutrition
potassium into the cells § Metabolic alkalosis
§ Excessive GI losses: vomiting,
nasogastric suctioning, diarrhea,
excessive laxative use
§ Renal losses: excessive use of
potassium-excreting diuretics
§ Skin losses: diaphoresis, wound losses
Expected Findings in Adults
§ Vital signs: weak, irregular pulse,
hypotension, orthostatic hypotension,
respiratory distress
§ Neuromusculoskeletal: ascending
Diagnosis Nursing Care
bilateral muscle weakness with § Treat the underlying cause
respiratory collapse and paralysis,
muscle cramping, decreased muscle tone
Hypokalemia § Replace potassium
(K+ <3.5 mEq/L) o Provide dietary education &
& hypoactive reflexes, paresthsias, encourage foods high in potassium
mental confusion (avocados, dried fruit, cantaloupe,
§ GI: decreased motility, hypoactive bananas, potatoes, spinach)
bowel sounds, abdominal distention, o Provide oral potassium
constipation, ileus, nausea, vomiting, Potassium supplementation
anorexia § Potassium is the major cation in ICF o IV potassium administration can be
§ Electrocardiogram (ECG): premature § Plays a vital role in: required; it should always be
ventricular contractions (PVCs) o Cell metabolism diluted & administered slowly by
bradycardia, blocks, ventricular o Transmission of nerve impulses intermittent infusion
tachycardia, flattening, flattened, or o Functioning of cardiac, lung, and § Monitor for and maintain an adequate
inverted T waves, increased U waves, & muscle tissues urine output
ST depression o acid-base-balance § Monitor for shallow ineffective
§ Other findings: edema, warm flushed respirations
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller anyiamgeorge19. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $11.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now