FLUIDS & ELECTROLYTES

HYPOKALEMIA
I. Over view of the disease
Abnormally low potassium blood level. Hypokalemia can occur because of either
an absolute reduction of potassium in the body or a relative reduction of potassium
in the blood due to the redistribution of potassium. An absolute loss of potassium
can arise from decreased intake, frequently related to starvation. It can also come
about from vomiting, diarrhea, or alkalosis.
The normal serum potassium concentration ranges from 3.5 mEq/L to 5 mEq/L
(3.5 to 5 mmol/L)
II. RISK FACTORS

 take medications, especially diuretics known to cause potassium loss

 have prolonged illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea
 have a medical condition like the ones listed above

III. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
IV. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

V. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
o Hematocrit: Elevated in dehydration, decreased in fluid overload.
o Serum sodium: May be high, low, or normal (between 135 and 145 mEq/L).
o Serum potassium and BUN: Normal or decreased, in fluid overload unless renal damage present.
o Total protein: Plasma proteins/albumin may be decreased.
o Serum osmolality: Usually unchanged, although hypo-osmolality may occur.
o Urine sodium: May be low because of sodium retention.
o Urine specific gravity: Decreased.
o Chest x-ray: May reveal signs of congestion

VI. NURSING DIAGNOSIS: INEFFECTIVE AIRWAY CLERANCE

VII. NURSING CARE PLAN
VIII.

NURSING MANAGEMENT
IX. DRUGSTUDY

CELINA CAMILLE B. DIVINA

JULLA ANDREI Y. RECALDE
NUR 313

X. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

ADMINISTRATION OF KCL SUPPLEMENT