Nursing Diagnosis (hypokalemia)-help?

Nursing Students General Students

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Can somebody help me please? I am having a hard time to decide what would be my nursing diagnosis for my client. Her chief complaint is palpitation, and based on her lab results, she had low potassium. So, what would be the best nursing diagnosis you can suggest. Please?? I am having a hard time already.):

In addition, her health history was hypertension and DM II. I need your help. Tnx. God bless!

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Specializes in MICU.

Decreased cardiac output related to increased heart rate??? Whatever nursing diagnosis u choose just make sure u have the evidence to support it!

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Specializes in CTICU.

Electrolyte imbalance?

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

risk for injury (lethal arrhythmia/death) related to hypokalemia

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

you have not provided enough information. do you have any other assessment data, especially for the low potassium? see the many other symptoms of hypokalemia on this document: potassium.doc.

a nursing problem (nursing diagnosis) is based upon the symptoms the patient is having and not solely on lab data. before you can make any diagnosis you must consider many factors:

  • a health history (review of systems)
  • performing a physical exam
  • assessing their adls (at minimum: bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, toileting, and grooming)
  • reviewing the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms and complications of their medical condition
  • reviewing the signs, symptoms and side effects of the medications/treatments that have been ordered and that the patient is taking

for more on constructing a care plan and diagnosing see https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/help-care-plans-286986.html - help with care plans

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When I was diagnosed with hypokalemia, I had renal failure. With the patients history of hypertension and diabetes, renal failure could be a possibility.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Couldn't a potassium deficiency be medication related, as well? If her HTN is treated with a diuretic?

Please don't make fun of me if I'm completely wrong, I'm starting clinicals this fall but I'm trying to get into the critical thinking mindset :D

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