Miscellaneous

Question 1

This ECG pattern is
consistent with which
electrolyte abnormality?

Answer 1

Hyperkalemia: peaked T waves

HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA

Question 2

If hyperkalemia is left

untreated, what can occur?

Answer 2

Ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation ->

death

Question 3

Which electrolyte is an

inotrope?

Answer 3

Calcium

Question 4

What are the major cardiac

electrolytes?

Answer 4

Potassium (dysrhythmias), magnesium
(dysrhythmias), calcium (dysrhythmias/
inotrope)

Question 5

Which electrolyte must be
monitored closely in patients
on digitalis?

Answer 5

Potassium

Question 6

What is the most common
cause of electrolytemediated
ileus?

Answer 6

Hypokalemia

Question 7

What is a colloid fluid?

Answer 7

Protein-containing fluid (albumin)

Question 8

What is the rationale for
using an albuminfurosemide
“sandwich”?

Answer 8

Albumin will pull interstitial fluid into the
intravascular space and the furosemide
will then help excrete the fluid as urine

Question 9

An elderly patient goes into
CHF (congestive heart
failure) on POD #3 after a
laparotomy. What is going on?

Answer 9

Mobilization of the “third-space” fluid
into the intravascular space, resulting in
fluid overload and resultant CHF (but
also must rule out MI)

Question 10

What fluid is used to replace

NGT (gastric) aspirate?

Answer 10

D5 1/2 NS with 20 KCl

Question 11

What electrolyte is associated

with succinycholine?

Answer 11

Hyperkalemia