ELECTROLYTES

1. Potassium – found inside the cell

N value – 3.5 – 5 mEq/L

- Involves the heat (mostly)

Hyperkalemia – too much K in the blood

Causes:

a) Drugs

K – K supplements

B – Blockers

A – ACE inhibitors/ ARBS - *Aldosterone = Na, H2O retention, K secretion

N – NSAIDS

K – K-sparring diuretics

 Spirinolactone

 Eplerenone

 Amiloride

 Triamterene
 
b) Rhabdomyosis – breakdown of muscle cells – too much exercise, trauma, burns

c) Medical conditions

- AKI, DKA, Addison’s (Low aldosterone)

*K -> HYDROGEN LAGING BESTIE

S -> WATER

High K – high H = acid

Low K – low H = alka

S/sx: MURDER

Muscle spasms -> weakness -> paralysis

Urine output is LOW

Respiratory distress

Decreased heart contractility

EKG changes

Widened PR
Depressed P-wave Tall T-wave

(K – 7mEq/L) (K – 5.5-6.5 mEq/L)

Widened QRS

(K – 7 – 9mEq/L)

Management:

1. Ca gluconate

2. Na HCO3

3. Kayexalate – exchange resin (enema)

4. Insulin + glucose

5. Hemodialysis

Hypokalemia – Low K in the blood

Causes: DITCH

a) Drugs (K-wasting diuretics, corticosteroids, insulin)

b) Inadequate intake of K
 c) Too much H2O

d) Cushing’s

e) Heavy fluid loss

High in potassium: avocado, watermelon, strawberry, pasas, pork, potato, spinach, beans, tomato,
banana

S/sx: 6Ls

Lethargy

Limp muscles

Leg cramps

Low/shallow respirations

Lots of urine (Polyuria)

Lethal cardiac dysrhythmias

*EVERYTHING IS LOW EXCEPT HR & UO.

Lethal cardiac dysrhythmias – presence of U wave

Management:

1. K supplements
 2. KCl -10-20 mEq/L per day

*Watch out for urine output and IV site

Normal UO is 30ml per hour

3. Sodium – found in the ECF

N value – 135 – 145

Causes: 5Ds

a) Diaphoresis

b) Diet (canned/ processed foods – High in Na)

c) Drains

d) Diuretics

e) Diarrhea/ vomiting

Specifically hyponatremia* - CHF, ascites, SIADH (high ADH = fluid retention)