Hyperkalemia Case Study

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1) What 4 etiologies in this case are responsible for causing hyperkalemia? How do each of the etiologies cause hyperkalemia? a) CKD- This patient has a history of Stage 5 renal failure, which requires him to receive regular dialysis. At this stage, oliguria occurs, resulting in a decreased renal excretion of potassium and a decrease of glomerular filtrate. Since this patient has not received regular dialysis (last performed x 5 days ago), metabolic acidosis may have occurred causing an increased shift in extracellular potassium. b) Possible cellulitis/inflammatory process to LLE- Patient presents with pain to LLE. Erythema and swelling noted to medial upper thigh. Cellular injury at site may cause alterations to the plasma membrane, which …show more content…

(2009). Dietary and Fluid Compliance: an educational intervention for patients having haemodialysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60-68. Fiona Willingham, B. (2012). The Dietary Management of Patients with Diabetes and Renal Disease:Challenges and Practicalities. Journal of Renal Care, 140-151. 4) How does hyperkalemia affect the myocardium? Potassium is a cation responsible for neuromuscular contractility. Hyperkalemia causes a disruption of resting action potential and also can prevent repolarization of cardiac cells. Elevated levels may cause cardiac arrhythmias, such as T-wave elevation and lead to cardiac muscle paralysis. Eleanor Lederer, M. (2014). Hyperkalemia. Retrieved from www.emedicine.medscape.com: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/240903-overview#a4 5) What is the relationship between albumin and calcium? Total serum calcium is bound to the albumin molecule and is considered inactive. Consequently, it is noted, when the level of albumin is decreased, the level of total calcium is also …show more content…

Serum ionized calcium is considered a free calcium ion that has many physiologic functions. It maintains bone structure and is responsible for the function of cell receptors. It also is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses and muscular contraction. Signs and symptoms of ionized calcium deficiency can include neuromuscular irritability and muscle tetany. David Goltzman, M. (2014). Diagnostic approach to hypocalemia. Retrieved from www.uptodate.com. Doig, A. K., & Huether, S. E. (2014). The Cellular Environment: Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases. In K. McCance, & S. E. Huether, Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (pp. 119-121). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier. 6) What is the etiology of Mr.X’s hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia? Related to Mr.X’s history of stage 5 CKD, abnormal calcium and phosphate levels will be contrary to each other. Patients with a history of renal failure with a high phosphate level may exhibit signs of hypocalcemia, such as the Trousseau or Chvostek’s sign. Eleanor Lederer, M. (2014). Hyperphosphatemia. Retrieved from www.emedicine.medscape.com:

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