PCCN Electrolytes Q u e s t io n s an d
An s w er s
1. Causes:
renal failure
over-replacement
cell-damage/shift out of cells (acidosis, hemolysis, sepsis,
chemo) spironolactone therapy
S/S:
bradycardia
termors/twitching
N/V
peaked T waves, short ST seg, blocks: Hyperkalemia
2. Treatment for hyperkalemia:
kayexelate insulin/glucose/HCO2/Ca++
Dialysis
Aerosol albuterol
3. Causes:
Poor PO intake
Renal loss (diuretics, renal tubular
1/
8
, necrosis),amphot. B GI loss; diarrhea, vomiting
Shift into cells (excessive insulin admin in DKA, alkalosis)
S/S:
Tachycardia
Hypotensions
Flaccid
muscles FLAT
T waves long
ST seg PVCs:
Hypokalemia
4. Treatment for hypokalemia: Oral replacement > IV
5. S/S:
anorexia, N/V
Coma
acute renal failure
flaccid mucles
SHORT ST seg/QT: Hypercalcemia
6. Treatment of hypercalcemia:
Fluids/Lasix PO or IV phosphate
2/
8
An s w er s
1. Causes:
renal failure
over-replacement
cell-damage/shift out of cells (acidosis, hemolysis, sepsis,
chemo) spironolactone therapy
S/S:
bradycardia
termors/twitching
N/V
peaked T waves, short ST seg, blocks: Hyperkalemia
2. Treatment for hyperkalemia:
kayexelate insulin/glucose/HCO2/Ca++
Dialysis
Aerosol albuterol
3. Causes:
Poor PO intake
Renal loss (diuretics, renal tubular
1/
8
, necrosis),amphot. B GI loss; diarrhea, vomiting
Shift into cells (excessive insulin admin in DKA, alkalosis)
S/S:
Tachycardia
Hypotensions
Flaccid
muscles FLAT
T waves long
ST seg PVCs:
Hypokalemia
4. Treatment for hypokalemia: Oral replacement > IV
5. S/S:
anorexia, N/V
Coma
acute renal failure
flaccid mucles
SHORT ST seg/QT: Hypercalcemia
6. Treatment of hypercalcemia:
Fluids/Lasix PO or IV phosphate
2/
8
