Difference between Hypokalemia and Hyponatremia

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

I am just wondering if anyone could tell me what symptoms I should look for in a test question that would set these two apart? (hypokalemia and hyponatremia)

You can find this answer in just about any med-surg textbook, but with hypokalemia you're looking at more neuromuscular symptoms, flat or inverted t waves on ECG, etc. Hyponatremia is more confusion, weakness, and potential for seizures.

Yeah, my problem is I am getting more info from one source and less from another and I'm wondering if I get a select all apply if it would hurt me if I decide to study the source that gives me less info. My HESI Sauders gives me a ton of info. My HESI Live Review book gives me less than half of what Saunders does.

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Why dont you just use both sources? No one said you have to study from just one source. And the previous poster was trying to tell you to look in a nursing text book. But no matter the source you use, s/s are not going to change. Na usually cause neuro issues and K usually causes muscular and cardiac issues. But the specifics will be listed in just about any medical nursing text.

Never limit yourself to just one book or set of books from your faculty reading list. You will be buying books and other resources all your professional life to make sure you know what you need to know. Never be reluctant to search out better resources.

In this case, I'd recommend another physiology book and the ever-helpful Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications, by Joyce leFever Kee. That "nursing implications" thang is verrry helpful for solidifying your learning.

I'm using Hesi Comp Review for Nclex & Saunders too.

Hypokalemia: less than 3.5, flat T waves, prominent U waves, depressed ST segment, NV, muscle weakness, decreased GI motility, paresthesia.

Hyponatremia: less than 135, confusion, lethargy, muscle cramps, seizures.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Check out this thread.....https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/fluid-electrolytes-helpful-904973.html

+ Add a Comment