Hospitalized patients are at an increased risk of electrolyte imbalance meaning simply they are more susceptible to changes in their electrolyte levels that could potentially compromise their health. Electrolytes are a vital part of normal body function. The electrolytes help maintain electrical neutrality in cells. Likewise, they help to generate and conduct
action potentials in the body’s nerves and muscles. When these levels are abnormal patients may experience abnormal bodily functions and at times these abnormalities can cause life-threatening situations. Several factors can contribute to electrolyte abnormalities. Some of the potential causes include: Hyperkalemia – serum potassium level > 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L) Hypokalemia – serum potassium level < 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L) 1. Auscultate heart sounds. 2. Assess cardiac rhythm. 3. Assess vital signs
routinely. 4. Assess mental status. 5. Monitor intake and output. 6. Assess respiratory status and auscultate breath sounds. 7. Assess laboratory values. 8.
Assess patient’s overall medical history. 9. Assess pain level. Nursing Interventions for Risk for Electrolyte Imbalance1. Weigh patient daily. 2. Administer pain medication as appropriate. 3. Provide intravenous or oral hydration as
needed. 4. Supplement electrolyte levels as appropriate and as ordered by the healthcare provider. 5. Administer oxygen as needed. 6. Educate patient and family on signs and symptoms of electrolyte abnormalities. 7.
Educate patient and family member on the importance of balanced nutritional state and importance of hydration. 8. Educate patient and family members on the importance of taking medications as prescribed and what their specific medications are used for. References and Sources
Published on November 21, 2021 
Tabitha Cumpian, MSN, RN Tabitha Cumpian is a registered nurse with a passion for education. She completed her BSN at Edgewood College Nursing School and her MSN with an emphasis in Nursing Education at Herzing University. She has a vast clinical background from years of traveling the United States providing nursing care. The majority of her time has been spent in cardiovascular care. She loves educating others in her field, as well as, patients and their family members through healthcare writing. Which nursing action is the priority for a client who has a serum potassium level of 6.7 MEQ L 6.7 mmol L )?Initiate cardiac monitoring. Rationale: Because hypokalemia affects the transmission of cardiac conduction, the client is at risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring should be initiated immediately.
Which client is at risk for hypokalemia?Overview. Risk factors associated with a low serum potassium levels (hypokalemia) include female gender, intake of medication (diuretics), heart failure, hypertension, low body mass index (BMI), eating disorder, alcoholism, diarrhea, Cushing's syndrome.
Which of the following patients would be at the highest risk for developing hyperkalemia?That means that those with underlying kidney conditions are at a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of hyperkalemia. The rate of hyperkalemia in people with CKD has been reported to be as high as 73 percent .
What foods can the nurse recommends for the patient with hypokalemia?If your doctor recommends it, eat foods that have a lot of potassium. These include fresh fruits, juices, and vegetables. They also include nuts, beans, and milk.
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Which intervention is a priority for the nurse when caring for a client with hypokalemia?
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