Hypokalemia

Question 1

What are the surgical causes?

Answer 1

Diuretics, certain antibiotics, steroids, alkalosis, diarrhea, intestinal fistulae, NG aspiration, vomiting, insulin, insufficient supplementation, amphotericin

Question 2

What are the signs/ symptoms?

Answer 2

Weakness, tetany, nausea, vomiting, ileus, paraesthesia

Question 3

What are the ECG findings?

Answer 3

Flattening of T waves, U waves, ST segment depression, PAC, PVC, atrial fibrillation

Question 4

What is a U wave?

Answer 4

.

Question 5

What is the rapid treatment?

Answer 5

KCl IV

Question 6

What is the maximum amount that can be given through a peripheral IV?

Answer 6

10 mEq/hour

Question 7

What is the maximum amount that can be given through a central line?

Answer 7

20 mEq/hour

Question 8

What is the chronic treatment?

Answer 8

KCl PO

Question 9

What is the most common electrolyte-mediated ileus in the surgical patient?

Answer 9

Hypokalemia

Question 10

What electrolyte condition exacerbates digitalis toxicity?

Answer 10

Hypokalemia

Question 11

What electrolyte deficiency can actually cause hypokalemia?

Answer 11

Low magnesium

Question 12

What electrolyte must you replace first before replacing K+?

Answer 12

Magnesium

Question 13

Why does hypomagnesemia make replacement of K+ with hypokalemia nearly impossible?

Answer 13

Hypomagnesemia inhibits K+ reabsorption from the renal tubules