Visual summary
Match the potassium trend to the prescription, the patient, and a documented follow-up plan.
Text version
Before connecting
Compare today’s predialysis potassium with the last 2–3 results and the signed bath order. Check collection time, hemolysis, missed treatments, new medicines, symptoms, and recent hospitalization.
Check an unexpected result
Hemolysis and collection problems can distort potassium. Request confirmation through the clinical pathway when a value is surprising; suspected severe hyperkalemia or symptoms require assessment without waiting for routine repeat testing.
Understand the gradient
The difference between blood and dialysate potassium affects potassium removal and electrical stability. A simple arithmetic bath rule cannot account for every patient, rhythm risk, or treatment circumstance.
Call now: potassium or symptoms
K ≥6.5 mEq/L, an ECG change, weakness, palpitations, syncope, or a slow pulse requires immediate clinician assessment under the unit pathway. Report K <3.5 mEq/L before treatment. Do not wait for routine repeat testing when the patient is unstable.
Use the ordered bath
A 2K or 3K label is a prescription, not a nurse-selected arithmetic answer. Clarify any order below 2K or above 3K and its monitoring plan. Record when a temporary change ends; postdialysis rebound complicates immediate repeat results.
Close the loop
Handoff the result and trend, symptoms, sample concerns, current bath, missed treatments, medicines, clinician response, and planned recheck. Confirm whether a temporary bath change ends before the next session.