Hyper/hypokalemia Flashcards
1
Q
A
2
Q
Hyperkalemia?
A
3
Q
Causes of hyperkalemia?
A
- increased potassium intake
- potassium release from cells
- decreased potassium excretion
- drugs - B blockers, NSAIDS, ACE inhibitors, K sparing diuretics, chemotherapeutic agents
4
Q
Increased potassium intake causes?
A
- Overconsumption of dietary potassium.
- Excessive use of salt substitutes or potassium supplements.
- High-volume blood transfusion.
- Use of certain drugs.
5
Q
Potassium release from cells causes?
A
- Burns
- Severe infection
- Trauma – Crush injury
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Insulin deficiency
6
Q
Decreased potassium excretion causes?
A
- Acute or chronic renal failure
- Disorders that damage the kidneys
- Addison’s disease
- Hypoaldosteronism
7
Q
Symptoms/signs of hyperkalemia?
A
Asymptomatic
Abdominal cramps
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Restlessness
Weakness
Nausea
Paresthesia
Hyper/hyporeflexia
ECG changes
8
Q
ECG changes in hyperkalemia?
A
- peaked T wave
- P wave flattening
- PR prolongation
- wide QRS complex
9
Q
Management of hyperkalemia?
A
- Stabilise the cardiac membrane in severe hyperkalaemia/ECG changes
- Intracellular potassium shift (Insulin/ salbutamol)
- Decrease total potassium
- Calcium gluconate > 7 meq/l 1.5-3 gms iv infusion over 2-5 minutes
10
Q
Decreasing total potassium?
A
- Kayexalate
- Furosemide
- Haemodialysis
- Dietary restrictions of potassium
11
Q
Hypokalemia?
A
12
Q
Causes of hypokalemia?
A
- transcellular shift
- total depletion
- drugs - Amphotericin B, diuretics, corticosteroids,insulin
13
Q
Causes of transcellular shift in hypokalemia?
A
- alkalosis
- hypothermia
- beta stimulation
- insulin - refeeding
14
Q
Causes of total depletion in hypokalemia?
A
- decrease in intake
- malnutrition
- malabsorption - increase in loss
- renal
- extrarenal GIT
15
Q
Causes of hypokalemia?
A
A SIC WALT
Alkalosis
Shallow respirations
Irritability
Confusion, drowsiness
Weakness, fatigue
Arrythmias - tahycardia, irregular rythm, bradycardia
Lethargy
Thready Pulse
