Hypo/hyperkalaemia

Question 1

Three symptoms of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 1

  Muscle weakness 
  Hypotonia 
  Hyporeflexia 
  Cramps 
  Tetany 
  Palpitations 
  Arrhythmias

Question 2

ECG changes in hypokalaemia?

Answer 2

  Result from delayed ventricular repolarisation 
  Flattened / inverted T waves 
  Prominent U waves (after T waves) 
  ST depression 
  Long PR interval 
  Long QT interval

Question 3

Four causes of hypokalaemia?

Answer 3

Increased insulin
Beta agonists
Alkalosis
Vomiting, diarrhoea
Drugs
Conn's
Cushing's

Question 4

Name two drugs that cause hypokalaemia

Answer 4

steroids
diuretics
insulin

Question 5

Which other electrolyte must you replace alongside K+ if deplete?

Answer 5

Mg, K will not return to normal despite K replacement

Question 6

Three symptoms of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 6

palpitations
chest pain
weakness
fast, irregular pulse

Question 7

ECG changes in hyperkalaemia?

Answer 7

  Tall tented T waves 
  Flattened P waves 
  ↑ PR interval 
  Widened QRS 
  Sine-wave pattern → VF

Question 8

Four causes of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 8

Acidosis
Addison's
Drugs
Excessive K infusion, therapy
Reduced insulin

Question 9

Two drugs that cause hyperkalaemia?

Answer 9

ACEi, NSAIDs, K sparring diuretics

Question 10

A 24-year-old man is involved in a road traffic accident. His right leg is trapped for 6 hours whilst he is moved. On examination his foot is insensate and a dorsalis pedis pulse is only weakly felt. Which biochemical abnormality is most likely to be present?

Answer 10

Hyperkalaemia

In this scenario the patient will have a compartment syndrome, delayed diagnosis and muscle death. The effect of muscle death will result in the release of potassium. It is also highly likely that there will be a degree of renal impairment, the result of which is that the serum potassium is likely to be high.

Question 11

Two symptoms of hypokalaemia?

Answer 11

weakness
fatigue
muscle cramps/twitching
arrhythmia
constipation