OK set me straight ...PLEASE!

KC CHICK · Oct 1, 2002

If the K+ isn't the cause, then treating with K+ isn't going to bring the HR down. Sometimes a problem with the SA node will cause the fast rate. I've seen cardiac meds given for this. We had a lady this weekend that was transferred to us with HR in the 170's to 180's, non-symptomatic, normal EKG -other than the SVT...K+ was fine. She got a Cardizem bolus and has been NSR in the 70's and 80's ever since.

Keep in mind...if the k+ level is too HIGH, you can have probs as well. So, if the K+ level is WNL, or just slightly low, that may not be the thing to give.

Anne:nurse:

kaycee · Oct 1, 2002

Stress is a major factor in hypokalemia. You will notice that folks who come into the ER who are extremely anxious and hyperventilating and usually tachycardic as well, will have a low K. I don't know what else your pt's presented with, you said they were asymptomatic, but I'm sure they were to some degree anxious about their rapid heart rate.

I don't think of a normal sinus tachy with a rate of 120 a dysrthymia. I think you are on the right track, just reverse it. The low K is the result of the tachycardia, not the cause.

l.rae · Oct 1, 2002

l don't think a mild decrease in K+ causes tach, but you know in medicine you never say never....could be some idiosyncrasy....however, since it is not a common cause of tach, it is safer to rule out other causes....certainly a little replacement won't hurt....in cases like this, we usually give a po dose if pt can take po meds...........the more common arrythmia l have seen r/t more significant drops in K+ is PVC's...............LR

CATHYW · Oct 1, 2002

Uh, ladies, low or high K+ can cause cardiac irritability and dysrythmias of all sorts. I don't think a K+ of 3.2 would do it, but anything is possible!

One of the best antiarrythmics I ever gave was MgSO4. We had one ERP who swore by it. I was ready to swear AT him, until I saw how well it worked!

CMERN · Oct 2, 2002

Thank you guys ... this pt was most definately anxious, therefore the tach /... Thanks..for your answers...I hate it when I get a case on my mind and cant "file" it... Thanks again,...and you all have a Good One:)