Question

What are the nutritional implications, key assessment findings, and nursing interventions for a patient with hypokalemia?

Answer 1

Hypokalemia is a disorder diagnosed to patients with low levels of potassium in their blood. The normal amount of potassium is between 3.6-5.2 mmol/L. Symptoms may include palpitations, constipation, fatigue and muscle cramping. This is caused by excessive sweating, bowel movement and urinating. Nurses may give the patient IV fluids enriched with potassium, provide potassium supplements or prepare a potassium-rich diet.

Answer 2

Answer:

If the nursing staff suspects that the patient is experiencing hypokalemia, they should have the patient's blood evaluated to determine Potassium levels. If evaluations indicate that the patient has hypokalemia, the nurse should appoint a nutritionist who will advise the patient on potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods.  If the case is very serious the nurse apply potassium in the vein.

Explanation:

Hypokalemia is the name given to the low amount of potassium present in the bloodstream. Potassium is a fundamental electrolyte for the proper functioning of nerve cells and muscles, especially cardiac muscle cells.

Normally, the potassium level in the blood is 3.6 to 5.2 mmol / L. If the nursing staff makes an assessment of the patient's blood and the result shows that the potassium level is below 3.5 mmol / L the diagnosis is positive for hypokalemia. However, when the potassium level is very low, below 2.5 mmol / L, the person requires urgent medical attention as their life may be at risk.

A simple case of hypokalemia can be treated by potassium supplements and potassium-rich diet administered orally, in which case the nurse will advise the patient to look for a nutritionist. More severe cases may require potassium to be given directly into the vein.