Ca2+/K+/Na+

Question 1

How does aldosterone affect potassium?

Answer 1

It increases potassium secretion into the urine. So hypoaldosteronism can be associated with hyperkalaemia and mild metabolic acidosis.

Question 2

anti-hypertensive drugs?

Which medications can cause hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

-Aldosterone antagonists (like spironolactone and eplerenone)

-ACE inhibitors (e.g. ramipril)

-Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (e.g. candesartan)

-NSAIDs (like naproxen and ibuprofen)

Question 3

What are the mainstay treatments for hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

Insulin and dextrose with IV calcium gluconate

Question 4

What are the ECG changes seen in a hyperkalaemic patient?

Answer 4

Tall peaked T waves

Absent/flattened P waves

Prolonged PR intervals

Broad QRS complexes

Sinusoidal wave pattern

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