NR 570 | NR570 FINAL EXAM | COMMON
DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE
CARE FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST 2025 CHAMBERLAIN
Where is potassium regulated?
- Correct Answer - Maintenance of total body potassium is the primary
responsibility of the kidneys, however, the gastrointestinal tract also
plays a role.
what is potassium (K+) and what does it do in the body?
- Correct Answer - Potassium is an important electrolyte, which functions
by promoting conduction and transmission of nerve impulses,
contracting muscles, regulating acid-base balance, and promoting
enzyme action.
Causes of Hypokalaemia
- Correct Answer - insulin administration (drives potassium into the cells)
alkalemia
vomiting & diarrhea
nasogastric suctioning
laxative abuse
,osmotic diuretics
mineralocorticoid disorders
renal tubular acidosis
succinylcholine
prolonged diuretic therapy
inadequate intake
severe diaphoresis
excess stress
hepatic disease
acute alcoholism
clinical symptoms of hypokalaemia?
- Correct Answer - anorexia
nausea & vomiting
drowsiness, lethargy, confusion
leg cramps
muscle weakness
hyperreflexia
hypotension
polyuria
constipation
,if severe (< 2.5 mEq/L) may see flaccid paralysis, tetany, hyporeflexia,
and rhabdomyolysis
cardiac dysrhythmias
decreased amplitude on ECG
broad T waves
prominent U waves
PVCs, V-tach, or V-fib
clinical PEARL
what other electrolyte should be assessed if potassium levels are off?
- Correct Answer - Magnesium deficiency frequently impairs potassium
correction efforts; therefore, magnesium should be assessed in patients
with persistent hypokalemia, even with potassium replacement.
Tx of hypokalemia?
- Correct Answer - -identify the underlying cause
- potassium replacement in managing hypokalemia.
-Oral potassium replacement is preferred to IV.
-Oral replacement is appropriate if the patient's serum potassium is > 2.5
mEq/L and there are no ECG abnormalities.
-Intravenous administration should be used in patients with profound
hypokalemia or in those who are unable to tolerate potassium by mouth.
-IV administration increases the risk of severe, acute hyperkalemia.
, -In addition, potassium is extremely irritating to peripheral veins and
should only be given in a large vein after dilution (never give a KCL
bolus by IV push).
Causes of Hyperkalemia
- Correct Answer - increased dietary intake
excessive administration of K+
excessive use of salt substitutes
widespread cell damage, burns, trauma
administration of larger quantities of old blood
hyponatremia
renal failure
clinical symptoms of hyperkalemia
- Correct Answer - nausea & diarrhea
abdominal cramps/GI hyperactivity/distention
oliguria
muscle weakness
numbness or paresthesia of extremities
flaccid paralysis
apathy
confusion
DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE
CARE FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST 2025 CHAMBERLAIN
Where is potassium regulated?
- Correct Answer - Maintenance of total body potassium is the primary
responsibility of the kidneys, however, the gastrointestinal tract also
plays a role.
what is potassium (K+) and what does it do in the body?
- Correct Answer - Potassium is an important electrolyte, which functions
by promoting conduction and transmission of nerve impulses,
contracting muscles, regulating acid-base balance, and promoting
enzyme action.
Causes of Hypokalaemia
- Correct Answer - insulin administration (drives potassium into the cells)
alkalemia
vomiting & diarrhea
nasogastric suctioning
laxative abuse
,osmotic diuretics
mineralocorticoid disorders
renal tubular acidosis
succinylcholine
prolonged diuretic therapy
inadequate intake
severe diaphoresis
excess stress
hepatic disease
acute alcoholism
clinical symptoms of hypokalaemia?
- Correct Answer - anorexia
nausea & vomiting
drowsiness, lethargy, confusion
leg cramps
muscle weakness
hyperreflexia
hypotension
polyuria
constipation
,if severe (< 2.5 mEq/L) may see flaccid paralysis, tetany, hyporeflexia,
and rhabdomyolysis
cardiac dysrhythmias
decreased amplitude on ECG
broad T waves
prominent U waves
PVCs, V-tach, or V-fib
clinical PEARL
what other electrolyte should be assessed if potassium levels are off?
- Correct Answer - Magnesium deficiency frequently impairs potassium
correction efforts; therefore, magnesium should be assessed in patients
with persistent hypokalemia, even with potassium replacement.
Tx of hypokalemia?
- Correct Answer - -identify the underlying cause
- potassium replacement in managing hypokalemia.
-Oral potassium replacement is preferred to IV.
-Oral replacement is appropriate if the patient's serum potassium is > 2.5
mEq/L and there are no ECG abnormalities.
-Intravenous administration should be used in patients with profound
hypokalemia or in those who are unable to tolerate potassium by mouth.
-IV administration increases the risk of severe, acute hyperkalemia.
, -In addition, potassium is extremely irritating to peripheral veins and
should only be given in a large vein after dilution (never give a KCL
bolus by IV push).
Causes of Hyperkalemia
- Correct Answer - increased dietary intake
excessive administration of K+
excessive use of salt substitutes
widespread cell damage, burns, trauma
administration of larger quantities of old blood
hyponatremia
renal failure
clinical symptoms of hyperkalemia
- Correct Answer - nausea & diarrhea
abdominal cramps/GI hyperactivity/distention
oliguria
muscle weakness
numbness or paresthesia of extremities
flaccid paralysis
apathy
confusion
