NCLEX RN Practice Question # 949

NCLEX Examination.

Practice Question # 949.

Hypokalemia:

The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).

Description

1. Hypokalemia is a serum potassium level lower than 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L)
2. Potassium deficit is potentially life-threatening because every body system is affected

Causes

1. Actual total body potassium loss

• Excessive use of medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids
• Increased secretion of aldosterone, such as in Cushing’s syndrome
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Wound drainage, particularly gastrointestinal
• Prolonged nasogastric suction
• Excessive diaphoresis
• Kidney disease impairing reabsorption of potassium

2. Inadequate potassium intake: Fasting; nothing by mouth status
3. Movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid to the intracellular fluid

• Alkalosis
• Hyperinsulinism

4. Dilution of serum potassium

• Water intoxication
• IV therapy with potassium-deficient solutions