Hypokalemia Assessments

Hypokalemia Implementations

K+ < 3.5 mEq/L

Muscle weakness
Paresthesias
Dysrhythmias
Increased sensitivity to digitalis

Hyperkalemia Assessments

K+ >5.0 mEq/L
EKG changes
Paralysis
Diarrhea
Nausea

Hyponatremia Assessments

Na+ < 135 mEq/L

Nausea
Muscle cramps
Confusion
Increased ICP

Hypernatremia Assessments

Na+ >145 mEq/L

Disorientation, delusion, hallucinations
Thirsty, dry, swollen tongue
Sticky mucous membranes
Hypotension
Tachycardia

Hypocalcemia Assessments

Ca+ < 4.5 mEq/L

Tetany
Positive Trousseaus sign
Positive Chvosteks sign
Seizures
Confusion
Irritability, paresthesias

Potassium Supplements
Dont give > 40 mEq/L into peripheral IV or without
cardiac monitor
Increase dietary intake oranges, apricots, beans,
potatoes, carrots, celery, raisins
Hyperkalemia Implementations

Restrict oral intake

Kayexalate
Calcium Gluconate and Sodium Bircarbonate
IV
Peritoneal or hemodialysis
Diuretics

Hyponatremia Implementations

I&O
Daily weight
Increase oral intake of sodium rich foods
Water restriction
IV Lactated Ringers or 0.9% NaCL

Hypernatremia Assessments

I&O
Daily Weight
Give hypotonic solutions: 0.45% NaCl or 5%
Dextrose in water IV

Hypocalcemia Implementations

Oral calcium supplements with orange

(maximizes absorption)
Calcium gluconate IV
Seizure precautions
Meet safety needs

Hypercalcemia Assessments

Ca+> 5.2 mEq/L

Sedative effects on CNS
Muscle weakness, lack of coordination
Constipation, abdominal pain
Depressed deep tendon reflexes
Dysrhythmias

Hypomagnesemia Assessments

Mg+< 1.5 mEq/L

Neuromuscular irritability
Tremors
Seizures
Tetany
Confusion
Dysphagia

Hypermagnesemia Assessments
Mg + > 2.5 mEq/L
Hypotension
Depressed cardiac impulse
transmission
Absent deep tendon reflexes
Shallow respirations

Hypercalcemia Implementations

0.4% NaCl or 0.9% NaCl IV

Encourage fluids (acidic drinks: cranberry juice)
Diuretics
Calcitonin
Mobilize patient
Surgery for hyperparathyroidism

Hypomagnesemia Implementations

Monitor cardiac rhythm and reflexes

Test ability to swallow
Seizure precautions
Increase oral intakegreen vegetables, nuts,
bananas, oranges, peanut butter, chocolate

Hypermagnesemia Implementations
Discontinue oral and IV magnesium
Monitor respirations, cardiac rhythm, reflexes
IV Calcium to antagonize cardiac depressant
activity (helps to stimulate heart)