The Roles of Potassium in the Body
Potassium is an __________ that helps to regulate cardiac _________, as well as _____ and _______ function.
electrolyte; rhythm; nerve; muscle
The expected range for blood potassium levels is:
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Which diagnosis is at the highest risk of HYPERkalemia?
a) Heart failure
b) AKI
c) Pneumonia
d) Diabetes insipidus
b) AKI
Potassium works with this electrolyte to maintain an electrochemical gradient across cell membranes and maintain fluid balance in the body.
Sodium
True/False
Hyperkalemia can be present, even with little to no easily recognizable signs or manifestations.
TRUE
A nurse is caring for a patient with severe HYPOkalemia. Which of the following medications in the patient's MAR might the nurse anticipate holding? Which might the nurse anticipate administering?
1) Furosemide 2) Spironolactone
3) Potassium Chloride 4) Captopril
5) Insulin
HOLD: furosemide, insulin
ADMINISTER: spironolactone, potassium chloride, captopril
This hormone made by the pancreas facilitates the movement of glucose AND potassium into cells, lowering blood potassium levels.
Insulin
The MOST COMMON cause of hyperkalemia is _____ ___________.
renal insufficiency
A nurse is providing a patient with a list of foods rich in potassium, name at least three options the nurse could give.
Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, yams)
Leafy greens
Dairy products
Beans, lentils, peanuts
Salmon, tilapia
Potassium is the main...
a) Intracellular electrolyte
b) Extracellular electrolyte
a) Intracellular electrolyte
Which of the following medications is most likely to cause HYPOkalemia?
a) Lisinopril
b) Furosemide
c) Spironolactone
d) Ibuprofen
b) Furosemide
A nurse is caring for a patient who is suspected to have hyperkalemia, but labs have not been received to confirm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a) Administer diuretics per standing orders
b) Obtain an EKG
c) Administer sodium tablets if the patient can swallow
b) Obtain an EKG