Word parts
What it means
When skeletal muscle is badly injured, its cells break open and release myoglobin, potassium and the enzyme creatine kinaseKREE-uh-teen KY-nayzAn enzyme found mainly in muscle, measured in the blood to look for muscle damage.Full entry into the blood. Myoglobin can block and damage the kidneys, causing acute kidney injuryuh-KYOOT KID-nee IN-juh-reeA sudden loss of kidney function over hours to days.Full entry , and high potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Causes include crush injuries, very hard exercise, heat illness, lying on the floor for a long time after a fall, seizures and some drugs, including statins.
For the nurse
Give IV fluids as ordered to keep urine output high, measure output hourly, and follow potassium and creatine kinase levels. Report dark, tea-colored urine or a drop in urine output.
Related terms
skeletal muscle
Muscle attached to bones that a person moves by choice, such as the muscles of the arms and legs.
acute kidney injury
A sudden loss of kidney function over hours to days.
statin
A drug that lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make it.
creatine kinase
An enzyme found mainly in muscle, measured in the blood to look for muscle damage.