Potassium
Feb 25, 2023•5 min
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Episode description
Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs
What is the Lab Name for Potassium (K+) Lab Values?
Potassium
What is the Lab Abbreviation for Potassium?
K+
What is Potassium 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 is the Normal Range for Potassium?
3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
What are the Indications for Potassium?
- Evaluate:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Monitor patients who are:
- Acidotic
- Receiving diuretic therapyw
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
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