The nurse would expect to assess which serum potassium level in a patient who has severe vomiting and diarrhea?
a. Less than 3.5 mEq/L
b. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L
c. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L
d. Higher than 5.5 mEq/L
ANS: A
Serum potassium (K+) levels would be less than 3.5 mEq/L. Hypokalemia is especially likely to occur when a patient exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy diuresis. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L is the low end of normal range for serum potassium. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L is the high end of normal range for serum potassium. Serum K+ levels higher than 5.5 mEq/L indicate hyperkalemia, which occurs most commonly when a patient is given excessive amounts of potassium supplementation.
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