Electrolytes and medicines

Question 1

Hyperkaliemia on ECG

Answer 1

all-tented T waves, small P waves, widened QRS leading to a sinusoidal pattern and asystole

Question 2

is hyperkalemia acidotic or alkolotic

Answer 2

acidotic as K and H ions compete with Na in the distal tubule

Question 3

Causes of hyperkalaemia

Answer 3

acute kidney injury
drugs*: potassium sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, spironolactone, ciclosporin, heparin**
metabolic acidosis
Addison’s disease
rhabdomyolysis
massive blood transfusion