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
§ 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
