Hypokalemia — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
K+ < 3.5 mEq/L
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Hypokalemia on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Loop/thiazide diuretics, ↑ losses
- Vomiting, diarrhea, NG suction
- Insulin, alkalosis shift K+ in
- Muscle weakness, leg cramps
- ↓ bowel sounds, ileus, constipation
- ECG: flat T, U wave, ST↓
- Give K+ slow → never IV push
- Max 10 mEq/hr, on pump, diluted
- ↑ K+ diet: banana, potato, OJ
- Dig toxicity risk if low K+
- Check renal/UO before replacing
✨Quick Tip
Muscle weakness, leg cramps, and fatigue — severe loss causes flaccid paralysis.
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