The patient is 66 years and often suffers from nausea, vomiting in addition to experiencing diarrhea for the past twenty four hours. One of the home medications from the patient’s list is potassium chloride. It is a mineral supplement that provides the blood with potassium and, consequently, prevents low potassium levels. It is vital for the blood to contain optimum levels. Primarily, potassium aids the kidney, heart, muscles and nerve cells to work properly. Generally, there are various conditions that may lower the level of potassium in the body, for instance, prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. The medication should be administered as prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended that the patient should not consume more than 20mEq every day orally.
Potassium chloride affects different body systems. First, it assists the cardiovascular system since it lowers blood pressure hence reducing stress on the heart. This, therefore lowers the risk of cardiac arrests. Moreover, it assists the pulmonary vessels in circulating blood. Second, it aids the gastrointestinal system in the absorption process which is sensitive to its concentration. Furthermore, it helps in nutrition by providing the minerals potassium and chloride to the body. Also, it reduces the amount of sodium in food.
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Consequently, it affects the Genitourinary which comprises of the renal systems. Generally, potassium is an electrolyte. The kidneys remove the extra potassium from the body. When a patient suffers sever vomiting and diarrhea, the amount of potassium and chloride ions are lost. The renal system, therefore, assists the body to regulate the ions level.
The diagnosis presented by the physical assessment indicated that the patient may be suffering from hypokalemia. This is a condition in which a patient has low levels of potassium in their blood. This diagnosis is defended by various assessments. First, the patient has a history of nausea and vomiting. Moreover, she has suffered from diarrhea for twenty four hours. This, therefore, results in loss of potassium from the body at a very fast rate. The patient may not have enough uptake to recover the lost minerals ( Jensen et al., 2015) . Furthermore, the patient has hyperactive bowel sounds. This is mainly caused by diarrhea. Also, it indicates an increase in the intestinal activity. These sounds may be heard without the use of a stethoscope.
Second, it was noted that the patient suffered from inability to coordinate her movements. Primarily, hypokalemia may disrupt the skeletal cells from moving. Potassium is vital to the coordination of muscles. Moreover, inadequacy of potassium prevents blood vessels from widening hence causing decreased blood flow to the muscles. Consequently, the patient may suffer from muscle cramps. Third, hypokalemia may impair the functions of the kidney. The kidneys may not manage to concentrate the urine hence causing excessive urination. The patient underwent foley insertion. Mainly, this is used to empty the bladder continuously. Finally, faint crackles were heard throughout. According to Jensen et al., h ypokalemia causes irregularities of the heart (2015). Additionally, it has been noted to cause confusion and a decrease in mental activity.
Ordering potassium chloride 40mEq IV for the patient would be very helpful. The solution should be diluted before use. It generally increases the amount of potassium the blood system by raising it to the optimal level of the serum ( Johnston et al., 2017) . The patient should, however, undergo continuous test to determine whether the infusions are necessary.
In conclusion, hypokalemia is a condition whereby a patient has low levels of potassium in their bodies. There are various medication that can be administered to increase its level. A good example is potassium chloride 40mEq IV since it increases the level of potassium. Finally, the patient should be monitored to avoid cardiac problems associated with the IV medication.
Reference
Jensen, H. K., Brabrand, M., Vinholt, P. J., Hallas, J., & Lassen, A. T. (2015). Hypokalemia in acute medical patients: risk factors and prognosis. The American journal of medicine , 128 (1), 60-67.
Johnston, C. T., Maish III, G. O., Minard, G., Croce, M. A., & Dickerson, R. N. (2017). Evaluation of an intravenous potassium dosing algorithm for hypokalemic critically ill patients. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition , 41 (5), 796-804.
