Hypokalemia

Question 1

What is the definition of hypokalemia?

Answer 1

K

Question 2

What are the most common causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 2

GI losses or Renal Losses

Question 3

What are GI causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 3

vomiting, diarrhea

Question 4

What are renal causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 4

Hyperaldo states - primary or secondary hyperaldo.
Drugs- thiazides, loops, gentamicin, amphotericin,
Hypomagnesemia, DKA
Renal defects like RTA 1 (metabolic acidosis), Barters, Gitelmans

Question 5

Sx of hypokalemia?

Answer 5

Fatigue, muscle weakness/cramps, hyporeflexia,

Question 6

Diagnosis of hypokalemia?

Answer 6

Recheck. 24hr/spot may distinguish renal from GI.

Question 7

EKG findings w/ hypokalemia?

Answer 7

T wave flattening, U waves (additional wave after the T wave), and ST segment depression… this can lead to AV block and cardiac arrest.

Question 8

Treatment of hypokalemia?

Answer 8

Treat underlying disorder. Oral and/or IV repletion of K+. Replace mag if necessary!
Monitor frequently during replacement.