NCLEX potassium imbalances cheat sheet
Study essential information on potassium imbalances for the NCLEX, including normal values, nursing actions, and safety priorities.
Quiz(32 questions)
1. What is the primary definition of hypokalemia?
Terms in this Study Set(32)
Hypokalemia(16)
What is hypokalemia?
Low potassium levels in the blood (< 3.5 mEq/L).
Causes of hypokalemia?
- Diuretics - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Excessive sweating - Poor dietary intake
Symptoms of hypokalemia?
- Muscle weakness - Cramping - Fatigue - Palpitations - Constipation
True or False: Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
True. Low potassium disrupts electrical activity in the heart.
What dietary changes for hypokalemia?
Increase intake of potassium-rich foods: - Bananas - Oranges - Spinach - Potatoes
Nursing intervention for hypokalemia?
- Monitor vital signs - Check potassium levels - Administer potassium supplements as ordered
Fill in the blank: Normal potassium level is __________.
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
How to prevent hypokalemia?
- Educate on balanced diet - Encourage hydration - Monitor use of potassium-losing medications
What is the IV potassium administration rule?
Never exceed 10 mEq/hr without cardiac monitoring.
Signs of severe hypokalemia?
- Severe muscle weakness - Respiratory distress - Paralysis - ECG changes (ST segment depression)
Cause → Effect: Diuretic use → __________.
Increased potassium loss.
Education point for patients taking diuretics?
Monitor for signs of low potassium: fatigue, muscle cramps.
What are ECG changes in hypokalemia?
- Flattened T waves - U waves present - ST segment depression
Nursing action: If hypokalemia is suspected, first step?
Obtain an ECG to assess cardiac status.
Difference between hypokalemia and hyperkalemia?
Hypokalemia: low potassium (< 3.5 mEq/L) Hyperkalemia: high potassium (> 5.0 mEq/L)
Why monitor renal function in hypokalemia?
To prevent complications from potassium supplementation.
Hyperkalemia(16)
What is hyperkalemia?
Elevated potassium levels in the blood, > 5.0 mEq/L.
Causes of hyperkalemia?
- Renal failure - Medications (ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics) - Excessive dietary intake - Tissue breakdown (burns, trauma) - Metabolic acidosis
Symptoms of hyperkalemia?
- Muscle weakness - Fatigue - Palpitations - Numbness or tingling - ECG changes (peaked T waves)
ECG changes with hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves, widening QRS, possible V-fib.
True or False: Hyperkalemia can be asymptomatic.
True. Some patients may show no symptoms until levels are critically high.
Nursing interventions for hyperkalemia?
- Monitor vital signs regularly - Administer potassium binders (Kayexalate) - Prepare for possible dialysis - Educate on potassium-restricted diet
What is the normal potassium level?
Normal range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Patient education for hyperkalemia?
- Limit high-potassium foods (bananas, oranges) - Avoid salt substitutes - Understand medication effects
Cause → Effect: Renal failure?
Causes hyperkalemia due to decreased potassium excretion.
Signs of cardiac instability in hyperkalemia?
Arrhythmias, especially in severe cases.
Fill in the blank: Administer _____ for immediate hyperkalemia treatment.
Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride.
What medications can worsen hyperkalemia?
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics.
Difference between hyperkalemia and hypokalemia?
Hyperkalemia: high potassium levels. Hypokalemia: low potassium levels.
True or False: Hyperkalemia is always symptomatic.
False. Can be asymptomatic until severe.
What is a key nursing priority for hyperkalemia?
Monitor cardiac rhythms closely.
Example of a potassium-rich food?
Banana (about 400 mg of potassium).
Questions in this Study Set(32)
1. What is the primary definition of hypokalemia?
2. What is the defining laboratory value for hyperkalemia?
3. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of hypokalemia?
4. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of hyperkalemia?
5. Identify a symptom indicative of hypokalemia.
6. Which symptom is most commonly associated with hyperkalemia?
7. True or False: Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
8. What ECG change is characteristic of hyperkalemia?
9. Which food is most recommended for increasing potassium intake in a hypokalemic patient?
10. True or False: Hyperkalemia can exist without noticeable symptoms.
11. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with confirmed hypokalemia?
12. What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?
13. Fill in the blank: Normal potassium levels range from __________.
14. Which of the following foods is high in potassium and should be limited in hyperkalemia?
15. Which prevention strategy is most effective for avoiding hypokalemia?
16. What mechanism causes hyperkalemia in renal failure?
17. What is the maximum rate for IV potassium administration without cardiac monitoring?
18. Fill in the blank: Administer _____ to stabilize cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia.
19. Which of the following is a sign of severe hypokalemia?
20. Which class of medication can worsen hyperkalemia?
21. Cause → Effect: Diuretic use → __________.
22. True or False: All patients with hyperkalemia experience symptoms.
23. What educational point is important for patients taking potassium-wasting diuretics?
24. What is a main priority in the care of a patient with hyperkalemia?
25. Which ECG change is associated with hypokalemia?
26. Which of the following indicates severe hyperkalemia?
27. If hypokalemia is suspected, what is the first nursing action?
28. Which medication is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia?
29. What is the primary difference between hypokalemia and hyperkalemia?
30. What is the normal range for serum potassium levels?
31. Why is renal function monitored in patients with hypokalemia?
32. Which symptom is least likely to be associated with hyperkalemia?
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