Potassium

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