Electrolyte Imbalances
What is high potassium level in the blood?
Hyperkalemia
What are 3 reasons why we need to treat hyperkalemia?
1. To prevent dysrhythmias
2. Redistribute potassium to the intracellular space
3. Lower body potassium
How do you call a code blue?
1-6666
This communication technique encourages active listening, understanding, and repeating what the other person has said to clarify any misunderstandings.
Reflective listening
When communicating with patients, this is a key factor that helps build trust and ensures they understand their care.
Using clear, simple language and active listening
What is low potassium level in the blood?
Hypokalemia
What nursing intervention aids in preventing dysrhythmias?
Administer IV calcium
This medication, given during a code to treat arrhythmias, is often used when a shockable rhythm like V-fib is present.
Amiodarone
When a patient becomes agitated or upset, this is one of the most important actions you can take to help defuse the situation.
Remain calm and use empathetic communication
This form of communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and eye contact, can often convey more than words alone.
Non-verbal communication
What is the normal potassium level range?
3.5 - 5.5
How do you lower body potassium?
Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
This medication is commonly administered during a code to stimulate the heart, often given every 3-5 minutes in cases of cardiac arrest.
Epinephrine
What is the proper chain of command?
1.) Charge nurse
2.) Direct leader/supervisor
3.) Director
In a healthcare setting, this tool is commonly used during shift handoffs to ensure critical patient information is clearly communicated.
SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
If left untreated, what significant events could hyper-/hypo-kalemia lead to?
Code Blue
What interventions aid in redistributing potassium to the intracellular space?
1. Administer 10 units IV regular insulin and Dextrose 50% x1
2. IV sodium Bicarb (metabolic acidosis)
3. Beta 2 adrenergic agonist - albuterol
This is the recommended rate of chest compressions per minute when performing CPR on an adult.
100 - 120 compressions per minute
When addressing conflict with a colleague, this communication style focuses on expressing feelings without blame or judgment.
"I" statements (e.g., "I feel…")
When communicating with a patient who has a language barrier, this approach can be used to ensure accurate understanding.
Using a professional interpreter or translation services
What charting tool do we use to treat hypokalemia?
Potassium Replacement Protocol
After treating hyperkalemia, what tasks are added to the patients' treatment plan?
1. Continuous cardiac monitoring
2. Serum potassium should be measured at one to two hour intervals after initiation of treatment
3. Hourly glucose measurements to monitor for hypoglycemia
4. Consults to coordinate therapies appropriate for the patient (EX/ nephrology)
What action should be taken prior to giving a shock?
Do not remove your eyes from the scene, visualize that everyone is hands off, and verbalize "clear"
In cases where the conflict persists after speaking with a supervisor, the next person in the chain of command to escalate the issue to is usually this individual.
The nurse manager or department head
This type of communication style involves actively involving the patient in their care decisions and respecting their preferences.
Patient-centered communication