potassium and pulse

[GingerSue]

in one section about hypokalemia - the description includes weak, irregular pulse and ECG changes that include bradycardia, but in another section about K deficit the description is weak, irregular, rapid pulse.

Is potassium deficit rapid or slow?

The description for K excess is weak, irregular, slow pulse. (in the other section the ECG changes include ventricular fibrillation).

Which is slow?

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hypokalemia: Tachycardia can occur. But, in severe hypokalema, bradycardia is normally detected which will lead to cardiovascular collapse if not abated.

Hyperkalemia: Bradycardia common. QRS widens on ECG in untreated hyperkalemia leading to ventricular fibrillation and asystole.

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1121.htm hypokalemia

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic261.htm hyperkalemia

[GingerSue]

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic273.htm

thanks, I did some more searching and found this article that explains that hypokalemia can result in either tachycardia or bradycardia

{and hypokalemia can result in hallucinations or psychosis}