Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia

Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia

A complete Works Cited list begins on page 15. Mention of commercial products does not indicate endorsement. Faculty Carol Whelan, APRN, has been working in nursing education since 2000. She received her Master’s degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut, and completed post-graduate nurse practitioner training at Yale University. Ms. Whela...

Potassium Disorders: Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are common causes of hyperkalemia. When severe, potassium disorders can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction dis...

Antihypertensive therapy-associated hypokalemia and hyperkalemia: clinical implications.

Hydrochlorothiazide was introduced into clinical practice in 1957 and chlorthalidone shortly thereafter. Diuretics continue to be a mainstay of antihypertensive therapy. They effectively reduce blood pressure and decrease hypertensionrelated morbidity and mortality. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluat...

MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE HYPERKALEMIA

Hyperkalemia and severe rhabdomyolysis

A 47-year-old homeless man with a history of bipolar disorder and polysubstance abuse was found under a bridge with altered mental status and severe left calf pain. Evaluation in the emergency department revealed a cachectic, pale man with a blood pressure of 132/84, pulse 74, and respirations 18. He was afebrile. Oxygen saturation was 98% on room air. Examination revealed marked swelling of th...