Hypokalemia

Question 1

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 1

Serum potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/l
Results from insufficient dietary potassium intake
Intercellular shifting of potassium
Cellular uptake of potassium is increased by insulin and beta Adrenergic stimulation
Blocked by alphaadrenergic stimulation

The most common cause is gastrointestinal loss from infectious diarrhea

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms?

Answer 2

Mild to moderate
Muscular weakness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps

Severe hypokalemia less than 2.5 mEq
Flaccid paralysis
Hyperoflexia
Hyper apnea
Tetany
Rhabdomyolysis

Question 3

What will an electrocardiography show?

Answer 3

Decreased amplitude and broadening t waves
Premature ventricular contractions
Depressed ST segments

Question 4

What si the treatment for hypokalemia?

Answer 4

Oral potassium supplementation is the safest and easiest treatment for mild to moderate deficiency.
40-100 mEq a day over a period of days to weeks