A patient who is not on any medications is admitted to your unit with severe hypokalemia.Laboratory values taken upon admission to the ED are serum K?,2.2 mEq/L; BUN,15 mg/dL; and creatinine,1.2 mg/dL.Urine output is averaging 45 mL/hr.The ED nurse reports that the patient received a total of 80 mEq of potassium over 4 hours via a right subclavian central venous line.After admission to your unit,the physician orders a repeat potassium level.The result is K?,2.4 mEq/L.What other information would be beneficial at this time?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The levels of other intracellular electrolytes,such as calcium and potassium,are affected by the level of magnesium The most important functions of magnesium are ensuring the transport of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane and as a co-factor in many intracellular enzyme reactions.Depletion of magnesium liberates potassium to the extracellular fluid,which causes an increase in the excretion of potassium by the kidney and hypokalemia.If the patient has a low magnesium level,it could explain the lack of response to the potassium infusions.The other levels have little effect on serum potassium level or its response to infusions.

A Patient Who Is Not on Any Medications Is Admitted