Metabolic

Question 1

Hyperkalemia - what do you know?

Answer 1

● Potassium >6.5 mmol/L needs urgent management
* Is it artefact eg due to haemolysis? repeat
* ECG changes include: peaked T wave, wide QRS, small P wave
* Conditions that cause include: Renal failure, Addison’s, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis
* Medications that cause include:
* Spironolactone, amiloride, ACE-Inhibitors, NSAIDs

● Risks include cardiac arrhythmias eg VF, and cardiac arrest

● Management options:
* Calcium binding resins
* Insulin + glucose
* Sodium bicarbonate
* Salbutamol

Question 2

Name 4 causes of hyperkaelamia?

Answer 2

Renal failure, Addison’s, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis

Question 3

Hyperkae

Answer 3

● Medications that cause include:
* Spironolactone, amiloride, ACE-Inhibitors, NSAIDs

● Risks include cardiac arrhythmias eg VF, and cardiac arrest

Management options:
* Calcium binding resins
* Insulin + glucose
* Sodium bicarbonate
* Salbutamol