Potassium

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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