Labs- CRP, ESR,

Question 1

What is CRP?

Answer 1

C reactive protein

Question 2

abnormal serum K? causes of?

Answer 2

1- reduced urinary excretion in renal failure and shock (decreased GFR, decreased tubular secretion, effects of drugs on tubular function (ACE inhib, NSAIDS))

2- redistribution (red cell lysis, metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap)

Question 3

pseudohyperkalemia causes?

Answer 3

Pseudohyperkalaemia
Test tube haemolysis - NEVER refrigerate samples and ensure samples arrive at the
laboratory within 5 hours
EDTA contamination (from FBC sample tube)
Prolonged tourniquet time
Marked leucocytosis and thrombocytosis (measure Lithium Heparin whole blood
potassium not serum concentration in these disease states)
Sample taken from drip arm
Acu

Question 4

common causes (including drugs) of hyperkalemia?

Answer 4

Acute kidney injury

Chronic kidney disease

Drugs (potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, NSAIDs,
heparin, β-blockers, digoxin poisoning)

Acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis

Mineralocorticoid deficiency (e.g. Addison’s)

Endogenous (tumour-lysis syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, trauma, burns)
Ple

Question 5

what is true dangerous hyperkalemia (lab values) and how do you distinguish from pseudohyperkalemia?

Answer 5

greater than 6mmol/l

dangerous effects are confined to the heart (ECG, arrythmias and death)