An infant is admitted into the pediatric unit with diagnosis of pyloric stenosis.The doctor orders includes infusing intravenous fluid with potassium chloride to replace what was vomited .Which of the following symptoms would accurately show to the nurse that the infant has hyperkalemia?.( High potassium)
A.Constant headaches.
B.Upset stomach and diarrhea. C.Hypokalemia,hypertension, hyperlipidemia.
D.Twitching.Neuromascular irritability,muscular weaknesses,flaccid paralysis, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, oliguria,respiratory arrest.
Correct answer is D.These are the symptoms of high potassium ( Normal range is 3.6 to 5.2mEq/L for adult.Infant-4.3 -5.3mEq/L)
Reference: Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia
Read up on laboratory levels since some of these levels have recently changed slightly.
Nurses You Move Me 