Hypokalemia

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Poor oral intake

GI loss - V+D

Renal loss - hyperaldosteronism, Cushings, thiazide, loop

Malignancy -

• blast crisis in AML
• ectopic ACTH secretion in SCLC, thymus, medullary thyroid, neuroendocrine tumours

Question 2

Classification

• mild
• moderate
• severe

Answer 2

Mild - 3-3.4mmol/L
Moderate - 2.5-2.9mmol/L
Severe - U2.5mmol/L

Question 3

Presentation

Answer 3

Lethargy
Low, shallow, resp failure
Lethal cardiac arrythmias
-ST depression, shallow T, U wave
Lots of urine
Leg cramps
Limp muscles
Low BP

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

Replace lost K

Treat underlying cause