Hyper-hypokalemia Flashcards
1
Q
At what level is a patient’s potassium level if hyperkalemic?
A
K+ > 5.5
2
Q
What will be seen on an EKG in hyperkalemia?
A
-peaked T waves/T wave tents
3
Q
Function of Potassium in the Body
A
- muscle contraction
- regulation of heart contractility
- important for normal kidney function
4
Q
Pseudohyperkalemia
A
- false elevation of potassium
- occurs with red cell hemolysis during blood draw
5
Q
Causes of Hyperkalemia
A
- excessive intake
- decreased excretion (dialysis, renal failure, DM, sickle cell)
- shift from intracellular to extracellular space (common in pts with acidosis)
6
Q
Sxs of Hyperkalemia
A
- weakness and fatigue
- frank muscle paralysis
- SOB
- palpitations
7
Q
Tx of Hyperkalemia
A
- first step: check EKG for cardiotoxicity (if present, give IV calcium)
- insulin and glucose
- inhaler beta agonist (albuterol)
- bicarb
8
Q
What is the most common cause of hypokalemia?
A
-iatrogenic
9
Q
Causes of Hypokalemia
A
- deficient intake (rare; anorexic pts)
- increased excretion (GI losses, Cushing’s, tumors, hypomagnesemia)
- shift from extracellular to intracellular space
10
Q
Is hyper or hypokalemia associated with higher morbidity and mortality? Why that one?
A
- hypokalemia
- due to cardia arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death
11
Q
Clinical Sxs of Hypokalemia
A
- sxs nonspecific, mostly tied to cardiac or muscular function
- weakness and fatigue
- palpitations
- muscle cramps and pain with rhabdomyolysis
12
Q
What is the most common cause of drug-induced hypokalemia? What other drugs might cause it?
A
-diuretics!
- penicillin
- amphotericin B
- gentamicin
- cisplatin
13
Q
EKG Change in Hypokalemia
A
-U waves after the T
14
Q
How is hypokalemia managed?
A
- decrease potassium losses
- replenish potassium stores
- evaluate for toxicities
- determine cause to prevent future episodes
15
Q
Tx of Hypokalemia
A
- identify and stop ongoing K losses
- D/C diuretics
- treat D/V
- oral K is absorbed readily
- can use oral and parenteral if needed
