Hypokalemia

Question 1

Hypolkalemia: def

Answer 1

Se < 3.5mM

Question 2

Hypolkalemia: causes

Answer 2

• diarrhea: direct loss
• vomiting: by alkalosis, via acid loss
• hyperaldosteronism (aldosterone promotors Na+ reabsorption and K+ excretion in the collecting ducts), hypercorticolism
• K+ wasting diuretics
• insulin

Question 3

Hypolkalemia: ECG findings

Answer 3

Occurs in the following order:

• ST depression with inverted T waves
• apparition of U waves
• QT prolongation
• prolonged QRS (ventricular block)
• atrial arrhythmias or ventricular arrhythmias -> Torsade de pointes -> Ventricular fibrillation

Question 4

Hypolkalemia: T

Answer 4

• depends on the etiology