Lab Name:
Potassium
What is Potassium (K+) in terms of Nursing Labs?
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 are the Indications for Potassium?
- Evaluate:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Monitor patients who are:
- Acidotic
- Receiving diuretic therapy
What would cause increased levels of Potassium?
- Renal failure
- Hypoaldosteronism
- Addison disease
- Injury to tissues
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Ketoacidosis
- Hyperventilation
- Acidosis
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Burns
What would cause decreased levels of Potassium?
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Excess insulin
- Alkalosis
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cushing Syndrome
Check Out the Full List of Nursing Lab Values!
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Date Published - Jul 26, 2016
Date Modified - Jun 21, 2019
