Hyper and Hypokalaemia

Question 1

What level of K+ in blood plasma is considered dangerously high K+?

Answer 1

Above 6.5mmol/L

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

1. Palpitations
2. Irregular fast heart beats
3. Weakness
4. Light headedness due to arrythmias
5. Chest pain

Question 3

What are the causes of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

1. Burns
2. Addisons disease
3. Acute Kidney disease
4. Rhabdomyolysis
5. Metabolic acidosis
6. K+ sparing diuretics

Question 4

What is the management plan for hyperkalaemia?

Answer 4

Treat underlying cause + give polystyrene sulfonate resin (binds K+ in gut to reduce absorption)

Question 5

What level of K+ in blood plasma is considered dangerously low K+?

Answer 5

Below 2.5mmol/L

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of hypokalaemia?

Answer 6

1. Muscle weakness
2. Hypotonia
3. Hyporeflexia
4. Arrhythmia –> light headedness
5. Palpitations
6. Cramps
7. Tetany

Question 7

What are the causes of hypokalaemia?

Answer 7

1. Diarrhoea and vomiting
2. Alkalosis
3. Acute kidney disease
4. Diuretics
5. Rectal villous adenoma
6. Cushing’s syndrome (excess steroids prdn)
7. Conn’s syndrome (excess aldosterone prdn)

Question 8

What is the management plan for hypokalaemia?

Answer 8

1. Oral K+ supplement if mild
2. K+ replacement therapy IV if severe (NOTE: do only if there is urine flow to prevent hyperkalaemia)

CONSIDER potassium sparing diuretic if patient is on thiazide