[fishchick72]

I have a question to answer & am stumped. Can anyone help me out?
"Discuss the relationship between acid-base balance & potassium movement into the cell or into interstitial fluid."

[allthingsbright]

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=sl...+and+potassium

I did a search for you--it is complicated so have fun reading!

[KrysyRN]

I just had to answer this question myself for class. I hope this is what you are looking for:

Acid-base imbalances affect electrolyte balance. In acidosis, potassium is retained as the kidney excretes excess hydrogen ion. Excess hydrogen ions also enter the cells, displacing potassium from the intracellular space to maintain the balance of cations and anions within the cells. The effect of both processes is to increase serum potassium levels.

(This answer is from my Med-Surg book)

[hellonurse36]

In an acidic environment K moves out of the cell and into the ECF (extra cellular fluid), resulting in an increased serum K level. In an alkalotic environment it moves the opposite direction - back into cell, thus reducing the serum levels. K movement is also affected by HCO3 levels and insulin levels.

Did you try a google search. When I was in school I used google for everything and it really helped.

Terri in Greenville, NC

[fishchick72]

Thanks to both of you.
I did try a google search, but couldn't find anything specific to what I was looking for, I have never been good with google, not getting the results I need, perhaps I am doing something wrong............

[Daytonite]

Here are some websites that might be of some help:

http://allnurses.com/forums/f121/acid-base-disorders-133110.html

http://www.nursewise.com/courses/K_hour.htm - Potassium: An Element of Life – an article about potassium written by a nurse for nurses.

http://learn.sdstate.edu/nursing/Laboratory.html - thumbnail sketches of lab values, signs and symptoms of increased and decreased levels of the following electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium. Also includes glucose, respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, and arterial blood gas values.

http://www.acid-base.com/ - the home page of an interactive acid-base tutorial for medical students by Professor Alan Grogono at Tulane University, but there are things in it that are useful for nursing students. Click on buttons throughout the presentation for more specific information. You might want to click on the "Alphabetical Index" at the left side to get a listing of the subjects covered on this site to save time. Also, check out the "Links" for more acid-base tutorial sites.

http://www.qldanaesthesia.com/AcidBaseBook/ABindex.htm - the online edition of "Acid-Base physiology" by Kerry Brandis. There is a lot of information on acid-base balance here and includes information on respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. There are short tutorials on the compensation, correction, assessment and prevention of each of these conditions.

http://maagnursing.com/ABG/ - this is an ABG and acid/base balance tutorial. You do not have to register to go through the tutorial.

[allthingsbright]

Originally Posted by fishchick72

Thanks to both of you.
I did try a google search, but couldn't find anything specific to what I was looking for, I have never been good with google, not getting the results I need, perhaps I am doing something wrong............

I put the search link up there for you--try it! It is a yahoo search--Daytonite gave you lots of good links so start there.

[maryk99]

Daytonite is always so helpful.

Acid-Base! Oh what fun! I try to break these things into simpler ideas. Remember back when.... opposites attracts and likes repel.
Potassium ion = K+ [always write the charges]
+ will be drawn out of the cell when the inside environment is + or the outside environment is -.
+ will be drawn into the cell when the inside environment is - or the outside environment is +.

Acidosis = pH < 7.35
Alkalosis = pH > 7.45
Ed: Acid = proton donor [+] Base = proton acceptor [-]
if I remember the basics correctly.
I hated biochem! dont forget respiratory compensation.

[txspadequeen921]

Im sure you feel the same way, but this subject gives me a headache . I have never been good at this stuff...

Originally Posted by fishchick72

I have a question to answer & am stumped. Can anyone help me out?
"Discuss the relationship between acid-base balance & potassium movement into the cell or into interstitial fluid."