potassium level

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

>5 I'd say. Potassium really isn't something you have a lot of room to play with. Might be able to push it to 5.5 just watching it.

Also depends on patient's baseline. Some renal patients can really run high with no immediate danger. I once saw one come back from K+ of 13.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Greater than 5 in most cases.

I always tell my students higher than 5 can cause Cardiac Arrest

less than 2.5 causes Cardiac Arrest so get both treated

NurseKitten, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

And they must be on a cardiac monitor while you're correcting either issue!

GilaRRT · Jul 12, 2009

I would not say any potassium level over 5 will cause cardiac arrest.

5.5 - 6 is considered mild hyperkalemia

6-7 is considered mild hyperkalemia

7+ is considered severe hyperkalemia

Do not think I will go running for the calcium chloride at 5.5.

AnnieNHRN · Jul 12, 2009

And they must be on a cardiac monitor while you're correcting either issue!

We get K's

They usually order Kayexalate if K>5.3ish(also depends on the Pt).

Trauma Columnist · Jul 12, 2009

Depends on the pt. I work with renal pts so don't get upset unless its >7. Had one that was walking around with a 10.3.

lsyorke, RN · Jul 12, 2009

And they must be on a cardiac monitor while you're correcting either issue!

Not true. Those having cardiac effects of low potassium need monitoring, but not all K+ replacement needs monitoring.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

I would not say any potassium level over 5 will cause cardiac arrest.
5.5 - 6 is considered mild hyperkalemia
6-7 is considered mild hyperkalemia
7+ is considered severe hyperkalemia
Do not think I will go running for the calcium chloride at 5.5.

I agree but it helps them remember and understand why they are correcting

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

I also think that underlying causes for the electrolyte imbalances are important. An otherwise healthy person with mild hyperkalemia will perk up my radar, but someone in the unit with a blood sugar through the roof or hyponatremic will have me looking and/or asking for orders for intervention.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 12, 2009

Depends on the pt. I work with renal pts so don't get upset unless its >7. Had one that was walking around with a 10.3.

We have HD pts that consistently run>6. Orders specifically state NOT to call the physician on their 'dialysis days' if their K is over 6.

I've never seen a 10.3 K level. Wow!

Ms.RN · Jul 13, 2009

i'm asking this question because i always call doctor with potassium level from 5.6 tp 5.9 and this one doctor always doesnt do anything. the patients i have are the geriatric patients. so is this level considered mild and does not require intervention or is potassium level slightly elevated with geriatric patient?