Disorders of Potassium: Hyperkalemia Mnemonics

Question 1

What does the mnemonic ‘HIGH K+’ stand for in relation to causes of hyperkalemia?

Answer 1

• Hormones (Low aldosterone, Addison’s)
• Ingestion (High K+ foods, salt substitutes)
• GFR <20 (Renal failure)
• Hemolysis/Tissue damage (Rhabdo, tumor lysis)
• Kidney drugs (ACEi, ARBs, K+-sparing diuretics)
• Transcellular shift (Acidosis, β-blockers, digoxin)

Each letter represents a different cause of hyperkalemia.

Question 2

What are the ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia represented by the mnemonic ‘PEAKED’?

Answer 2

• Peaked T waves (Earliest sign)
• Elongated PR interval
• Absent P waves
• K-widened QRS
• End-stage: Sine wave → V-fib/Asystole

These changes indicate the severity of hyperkalemia on an ECG.

Question 3

What does the mnemonic ‘C BIG K’ represent in acute treatment for hyperkalemia?

Answer 3

• Calcium gluconate (Stabilize membranes)
• Beta-agonist (Albuterol) + Insulin (Shift K+ into cells)
• Glucose (Prevent hypoglycemia from insulin)
• Kayexalate/Patriomer (Remove K+)

This mnemonic aids in recalling the immediate treatment options for hyperkalemia.

Question 4

What are the key features of Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type II (PHA II/Gordon Syndrome) represented by the mnemonic ‘THICK’?

Answer 4

• Thiazide-responsive (NaCl cotransporter overactivity)
• Hyperkalemia
• Inherited (WNK1/WNK4 mutations)
• Chloremic metabolic acidosis
• Kidney retains K+ (Low renin/aldosterone)

This condition involves an abnormality in potassium regulation leading to hyperkalemia.

Question 5

What drugs are associated with causing hyperkalemia as represented by the mnemonic ‘SPACED’?

Answer 5

• Spirinolactone/Eplerenone
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (Amiloride, Triamterene)
• ACEi/ARBs
• Cyclosporine/Tacrolimus
• NSAIDs
• Digoxin

These medications can contribute to elevated potassium levels.

Question 6

What does the mnemonic ‘SALT’ stand for in relation to Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HyperPP)?

Answer 6

• Skeletal muscle Na+ channel mutation
• Attacks triggered by rest after exercise
• Low-carb/high-K+ diet worsens
• Treated with β-agonists (Salbutamol)

This syndrome is characterized by muscle paralysis due to potassium imbalances.

Question 7

What are the components of the mnemonic ‘SAFE K’ regarding CKD and hyperkalemia management?

Answer 7

• Serum K+ 4.0–5.5 mEq/L is safe range
• Avoid sudden spikes (Diet/drugs)
• Furosemide/Thiazides help excrete K+
• Evaluate EKG early
• K-binders (Patriomer) for chronic management

This mnemonic outlines safe potassium levels and management strategies in chronic kidney disease.

Question 8

What does the mnemonic ‘ADDISON’ represent in relation to Addison’s Disease?

Answer 8

• Aldosterone deficiency → Hyperkalemia
• Dark skin (Hyperpigmentation)
• Dehydration (Na+ loss)
• Insufficiency (Adrenal crisis)
• Salt craving
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Na+ low, K+ high

Addison’s Disease can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The ECG progression for hyperkalemia shows that at >8.0 mEq/L, it leads to a _______.

Answer 9

Sine wave → Flatline

This indicates severe hyperkalemia and is a critical finding on an ECG.