Electrolyte imbalances

Question 1

Interstitial nephritis

Answer 1

Caused by reaction to medication - antibioticsInvestigations - WBC in urine, haematuria, RBC casts

Question 2

HyperkalaemiaSymptoms

Answer 2

ArrhythmiasPeaked T waves

Question 3

HypercalcaemiaSymptoms

Answer 3

Moans, groan and stones

Question 4

HypocalcaemiaSymptoms

Answer 4

Carpopedal spasm, tingling lips

Question 5

HypokalaemiaSymptoms

Answer 5

Muscle weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps, constipation, flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia, rhabdomyolysis and respiratory depression

Question 6

HyponatraemiaSymptoms

Answer 6

Nausea and vomiting, headache, short-term memory loss, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, seizures, decreased consciousness or coma, encephalopathy

Question 7

Hyponatraemia Causes

Answer 7

Hypervolaemic hyponatraemia - nephrotic syndrome, CHF, cirrhosisEuvolaemic hyponatraemia - SIADH, hypothyroidismHypovolaemic hyponatraemia - vomiting, diarrhoea, diuretics, Addisons and CAH

Question 8

Hypernatraemia Causes

Answer 8

Dehydration

Question 9

HypernatraemiaSymptoms

Answer 9

Lethargy, weakness, irritability, neuromuscular excitability, and oedema, seizures and coma

Question 10

HyperkalaemiaCauses

Answer 10

ARF, chronic kidney diseaseAddisonsACEiT1DM

Question 11

HypokalaemiaCauses

Answer 11

GI loss - diarrhoea, perspirationUrinary lossDKA

Question 12

HypercalcaemiaCauses

Answer 12

Primary hyperparathyroidismLithium useMalignancyVit D intoxicationHyperthyroidism

Question 13

HypocalcaemiaCauses

Answer 13

HypoparathyroidismEating disordersAcute renal failureAlkalosis

Question 14

Triple Whammy

Answer 14

Hyponatremia or hyperkalemiaAKI Cardiac failure

Question 15

HypercalcaemiaECT

Answer 15

Widened T wavesShort QT interval

Question 16

Osmolality

Answer 16

Calculated osmolality = 2 x serum sodium + serum glucose + serum urea (all in mmol/L)