4 min
Potassium (K+) Lab Values Lab Values Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, normal lab values for nurses for NCLEX®) by NURSING.com (NRSNG)
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- Medicine
Normal
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Indications
Evaluate: Electrolyte imbalances Cardiac arrhythmias Monitor patients who are: Acidotic 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 will enter the cell which 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’s 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
Normal
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Indications
Evaluate: Electrolyte imbalances Cardiac arrhythmias Monitor patients who are: Acidotic 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 will enter the cell which 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’s 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
4 min