What is the most abundant intracellular cation?
K
Importance of potassium?
Cell metabolism, neuromuscular and cardiac electrical transmission
Etiology of K imbalances
Renal dysfunction
Dietary
Meds side effects (diuretics)
Causes of hypokalemia
S/s of hypokalemia
- EKG: flat T, ST depression, U waves
Tx of mild hypokalemia
PO KCl (K-Dur, K-Lor, K-Tab)
Tx of mod-severe hypokalemia
IV KCl at 10 mEq/hr
10 mEq of KCl raises serum K by:
0.1 mEq/L
Causes of hyperkalemia
- Pseudo: DKA, hemolysis
S/s of hyperkalemia
- EKG: peaked T, wide QRS, loss of P, sine wave
Sine wave on EKG is a late sign of:
Hyperkalemia
What is a late sign of hyperkalemia?
Sine wave on EKG
Tx of hyperkalemia
Importance of Na in the body
Indirect measure of free water in serum
Define osmolarity
Concentration of solutes per L of solution
Etiology of Na imbalances
- Free water excess or loss
Causes of hyponatremia
S/s of hyponatremia
HA, N/V, lethargy, confusion, seizure, coma
What are the symptoms of hyponatremia determined by?
Degree and rapidity of development
Causes of hypernatremia
- Hypervolemic: excess IV hydration, hyperaldosteronism
Tx of mild (asymp) hyponatremia
Fluid restriction
Tx of mod-severe hyponatremia
- Chronic: 0.5 ml/kg/hr or less
Why is correction of chronic hyponatremia slow?
Avoid central pontine myelinolysis (flaccid paralysis, seizures)
S/s of hypernatremia
AMS, seizures, hyperreflexia, spasticity, lethargy