2022
MULTIDIMENSION
AL CARE EXAM 2
STUDY GUIDE
(HYPERKALEMIA)
Role: K+ is responsible for nerve impulse conduction & muscle
contractions Normal Range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L > 5.0 mEq/L
> K+ in ECF
Causes: The body “CARED” too much for K+
Cellular movement of K+ from ICF to ECF (tissue damage, burn, acidosis)
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
Renal failure
Excessive K+ intake
Drugs (K+ sparing such as Aldactone, Triamterene, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs)
S/S: “MURDER”
Muscle weakness
Urine production (low or absent)
Respiratory failure (muscle weakness)
Decreased cardiac contractility (weak pulse, ↓ BP)
Early signs of muscle twitching (muscle twitching, cramps-early) (flaccid-late)
Rhythm changes (tall peaked T wave, flat or absent P wave, wide QRS & prolonged PR
interval)
Interventions:
Monitor cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, & GI
status Stop IV K+ infusion or supplements
Initiate K+ restrictive
diet Prepare patient for
dialysis
Kayexalate oral or enema (promotes K+
excretion) Hypertonic IVF to put K+ back in
the cell
HYPOKALEMIA
Role: K+ is responsible for nerve impulse conduction & muscle
contractions Normal Range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L < 3.5 mEq/L
K+ loves ICF; serum test is ECF
Causes: “DITCH” potassium
Drugs (laxatives, diuretics, corticosteroids)
Inadequate intake of K+ (NPO, anorexia,
This study source was downloaded by 100000840275362 from CourseHero.com on 04-30-2022 03:02:16 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72571099/Multidimensional-Care-II-Exam-2-Study-Guidepdf/
, nausea) Too much water intake (dilutes K+)
Cushing’s syndrome (↑ secretion of aldosterone)
Heavy liquid loss (Na+ suction, vomiting, diarrhea, wound drainage, sweating - DKA
This study source was downloaded by 100000840275362 from CourseHero.com on 04-30-2022 03:02:16 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72571099/Multidimensional-Care-II-Exam-2-Study-Guidepdf/
MULTIDIMENSION
AL CARE EXAM 2
STUDY GUIDE
(HYPERKALEMIA)
Role: K+ is responsible for nerve impulse conduction & muscle
contractions Normal Range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L > 5.0 mEq/L
> K+ in ECF
Causes: The body “CARED” too much for K+
Cellular movement of K+ from ICF to ECF (tissue damage, burn, acidosis)
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
Renal failure
Excessive K+ intake
Drugs (K+ sparing such as Aldactone, Triamterene, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs)
S/S: “MURDER”
Muscle weakness
Urine production (low or absent)
Respiratory failure (muscle weakness)
Decreased cardiac contractility (weak pulse, ↓ BP)
Early signs of muscle twitching (muscle twitching, cramps-early) (flaccid-late)
Rhythm changes (tall peaked T wave, flat or absent P wave, wide QRS & prolonged PR
interval)
Interventions:
Monitor cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, & GI
status Stop IV K+ infusion or supplements
Initiate K+ restrictive
diet Prepare patient for
dialysis
Kayexalate oral or enema (promotes K+
excretion) Hypertonic IVF to put K+ back in
the cell
HYPOKALEMIA
Role: K+ is responsible for nerve impulse conduction & muscle
contractions Normal Range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L < 3.5 mEq/L
K+ loves ICF; serum test is ECF
Causes: “DITCH” potassium
Drugs (laxatives, diuretics, corticosteroids)
Inadequate intake of K+ (NPO, anorexia,
This study source was downloaded by 100000840275362 from CourseHero.com on 04-30-2022 03:02:16 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72571099/Multidimensional-Care-II-Exam-2-Study-Guidepdf/
, nausea) Too much water intake (dilutes K+)
Cushing’s syndrome (↑ secretion of aldosterone)
Heavy liquid loss (Na+ suction, vomiting, diarrhea, wound drainage, sweating - DKA
This study source was downloaded by 100000840275362 from CourseHero.com on 04-30-2022 03:02:16 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72571099/Multidimensional-Care-II-Exam-2-Study-Guidepdf/
