HYPERKALEMIA

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Hyperkalemia (K):

-          Greater than normal serum contraction.

-          Normal range : 3.5 – 5.3 mEq/L

-          Hyperkalemia is usually more dangerous because cardiac arrest is more frequently associated with high serum potassium levels.

x Causes Hyperkalemia:

1. Decreased renal excretion of potassium (common seen in renal failure).
2. Infection or excessive intake of potassium in food or medications.
3. Addison's disease.
4. Medications: Heparin, ACE inhibitors, captopril, NSAIDs, Potassium- sparing diuretics.
5. Sever burns or tissue trauma.
6. Acidosis.

x Clinical Manifestations:

1. Disturbance in cardiac conduction occur (narrow T waves, ST segment depression, shortened QT interval and wide QRS).
2. Skeletal muscle weakness & even paralysis.
3. Ventricular conduction is slowed.
4. Effect on the peripheral nervous system.
5. Quadriplegia (occur with very high K level).
6. Paralysis of respiratory and speech muscles.
7. Nausea.
8. intermittent intestinal colic
9. Diarrhea.

x Therapeutic Intervention:

1. Administration potassium – free fluids.
2. Dialysis
3. Potassium removing resin.
4. IV calcium glucinate – antagonists (level K dangerously).
5. Digitalized.
6. Furesemide (Lasix).
7. Beta 2 agonists.
8. Sodium bicarbonate.
9. Avoided potassium rich food (fruits & vegetables, legumes, whole grain breads, meat, milk, eggs, coffee, tea, cocoa.
10. Conversely food with minimal potassium (butter, margarine, cranberry juice, ginger ale, root beer, sugar, honey).

x Diet:

# Sugar          $ Fruits             $ Vegetables