Hypokalaemia

Question 1

Why are potassium levels associated with acidosis?

Answer 1

H+ and K+ ions compete to enter cells

=> Hyperkalaemia associated with acidosis because as potassium levels rise, fewer hydrogen ions can enter the cells

Question 2

What causes a hypokalaemia with an alkalosis?

Answer 2

• vomiting
• thiazide and loop diuretics
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism)

Question 3

What causes hypokalaemia with an acidosis?

Answer 3

• diarrhoea
• renal tubular acidosis
• acetazolamide
• partially treated DKA

Question 4

What other electrolyte must be corrected in order for the potassium level to be corrected?

Answer 4

Mg2+

Question 5

What causes of hypokalaemia are associated with hypertension?

Answer 5

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism)
• Liddle’s syndrome
• 11-beta hydroxylase deficiency

Question 6

What causes of hypokalaemia are NOT associated with hypertension

Answer 6

• diuretics
• GI loss (e.g. Diarrhoea, vomiting)
• renal tubular acidosis
• Bartter’s syndrome
• Gitelman syndrome