Potasium

Question 1

Clinical features of hypokalemia

Answer 1

Arrhythmias (Prolongs normal cardiac conduction /exacerbate digitalis toxicity /flattening of T waves on an EKG /u wave appear if severe)
muscular weakness /fatigue /paralysis cramps
decreased deep tendon reflexes paralytic ileus
polyuria /polydepsia
nausea and vomiting

Question 2

Clinical features of hyperkalemia

Answer 2

Arrhythmias peaked T waves QRS widening PR interval prolongation loss of P-wave sine wave pattern
Muscle weakness and rarely flaccid paralysis
decrees deep tendon reflexes respiratory failure /nausea vomiting intestinal colic diarrhea /acidosis due to decreased ammonium formation in renal tubules

Question 3

Normal values of electrolytes

Answer 3

K : 3.5-5 meq/l (intercellular)
Po: 3-4.5 mg/dl ( 85%in bone 15% intracellular)
Mg: 1.8-2.5 mg/dl ( one third intracellular)
Ca: 8.5-10.5 mg/dl
Na: 135-155 meq/l (extracellular)