Electrolytes na k ca2 mg2 patient teaching for foods

 Electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) Patient teaching for foods containing potassium:
 Potassium (K
+
)
 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
  K
+
=  H
+
 Major cation in ICF, vital role in cell metabolism; transmission of nerve impulses,
function of cardiac, lung, & muscle tissues, & acid-base balance.
 Has reciprocal action w/ sodium.

 NURSING CONSIDERATIONS : (when potassium is low) Monitor for
dysrhythmias, such as PVCs (premature ventricular contractions),
ventricular tachycardia, flattening T waves, and ST depression.
 Provide dietary education & encourage foods  in K
+
( avocados , dried fruit ,
cantaloupe , bananas , potatoes , spinach, tomatoes ) or provide oral supplements.
 Monitor for & maintain an adequate urine output. Monitor for shallow, ineffective
respirations, diminished breath sounds, decreased LOC, ensure safety.
 Monitor cardiac rhythm & intervene promptly as needed.
 Monitor clients receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia increases the risk for digoxin
toxicity.
o Hypokalemia = Metabolic Alkalosis
 Monitor bowel sounds and abdominal distention and intervene as needed.
 IV POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION:
o Mixed by a pharmacist & double‐checked by 2 nurses prior to
administration.
o Dilute potassium to a concentration of no more than 1 mEq potassium to
10 mL solution & infuse slowly , no faster than 10 mEq/hr.
o Monitor for phlebitis (tissue irritant). Discontinue the IV & notify the provider
for infiltration of potassium. Never IV bolus (high risk of cardiac arrest)
 Hyperkalemia: potentially life threatening due to risk of cardiac arrest.
o Metabolic acidosis
 Nursing care : If potassium levels are extremely high, dialysis might
be required. Administer IV fluids w/ dextrose & regular insulin. Monitor
cardiac rhythm & intervene as needed.
o To increase potassium excrete administer loop diuretic ( furosemide) to increase
excretion of potassium from the renal system.
o Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is given orally as an enema, it increases the
excretion of potassium from the GI.
 Calcium (Ca
+
)
 9-10.5 mg/dL
 Found in the body’s cell’s, bones, & teeth. Calcium is essential for proper
functioning of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, & endocrine systems, as well as
blood clotting & bone & teeth formation.
 Nursing care
 If too little calcium administers supplements, (carefully monitor respiratory &
cardiovascular status). Initiate seizure precautions, keep emergency equipment on
standby.
o Foods  in (Ca + ) dairy products & dark green veggies.
 If too much calcium increase the clients activity level, limit calcium intake,
encourage fluids to promote excretion, encourage fiber to promote bowel
elimination. Implement safety if client is confused, monitor pathological fractures.
o Encourage fluid intake to decrease risk for renal calcium stone formation.
o Monitor blood clots, measure calf circumference.

 Magnesium (Mg + )
 1.3-2.1 mEq/L
 Found in the bones. Magnesium in smaller amounts is found w/in the body cells.