Electrolyte imbalance: Potassium

Potassium 3.5-5 mEq/L Function: major intracellular ion; influences muscle activity & pH regulation Hypokalemia Values: <3.5, Moderate: 2.5-3; severe <2.5 Causes: · Loss of GI secretions · Excessive renal excretion of K · Movement of K in cells (DKA) · Diuretics Signs and symptoms: · Skeletal muscle weakness · ↓ smooth muscle function · ↓DTR’s · ↓ BP, EKG changes, possible cardiac arrest · N/V, paralytic ileus, diarrhea · Metabolic alkalosis · Mental… More information...

User:	tinkerbellalive
Page:	nurse-notebook.webnode.com (?)