Potassium Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

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Potassium (K+)
Normal: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

Indications:
 Evaluate:
o Electrolyte imbalances
o Cardiac arrhythmias
 Monitor patients who are:
o Acidotic
o Receiving diuretic therapy

Description: Potassium (K+) is the most abundant intracellular cation and plays a vital role in the transmission of electrical impulses in cardiac and skeletal muscle. It plays a role in acid base equilibrium. In states of acidosis hydrogen with enter the cell as this happens it will force potassium out of the cell, a 0.1 decrease in pH will cause a 0.5 increase in K+.

What would cause increased levels?
 Renal failure
 Hypoaldosteronism
 Addison disease
 Injury to tissues
 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
 Ketoacidosis
 Hyperventilation
 Acidosis
 Infection
 Dehydration
 Burns

What would cause decreased levels?
 Hyperaldosteronism
 Excess insulin
 Alkalosis
 Diarrhea
 Vomiting
 Cystic Fibrosis
 Cushing Syndrome