POTASSIUM

Question 1

Symptoms of hypokalaemia

Answer 1

FARMP
- fatigue
- arrythmias
- rhabdomyolsis
- muscle cramps
- palpitations

Question 2

symptoms of hyperkalaemia

Answer 2

FPCN2S
- fatigue
- palpitations
- chest pain
- numbness
- nausea
- SoB

Question 3

drugs that cause hypokalaemia

Answer 3

ABCDE-I
- aminophylline/theophylline
- beta agonists
- corticosteroids
- diuretics (loop+thiazide)
- erythromycin/clarithyromycin
- insulin

Question 4

drugs that cause hyperkalaemia

Answer 4

THANKS-B
- trimethoprim
- heparin
- ACEi/ARBs
- NSAIDS
- K-Sparing diuretics
- beta blockers

Question 5

what can imbalance of potassium cause

Answer 5

cardiac s/e like arrythmias

Question 6

what does hypokalaemia predispose pt taking digoxin to?

Answer 6

toxicity

Question 7

tx of mild to moderate hypokalaemia

Answer 7

oral replacement therapy e.g. sando-k

Question 8

tx of severe hypokalaemia

Answer 8

IV KCL in NaCl

Question 9

why is K+ replaced cautiously in pt = renal impairment

Answer 9

risk of hyperkalaemia secondary to impaired potassium excretion

Question 10

urgent tx

tx of severe hyperkalaemia

> 6.5mmol/l

Answer 10

• IV CaCL 10% / calcium gluconate 10%
• IV soluble insulin 5-10 units with 50ml glucose given over 5-15 mins
• salbutamol (nebulisation/slow IV inj)
• STOP and REVIEW drugs exacerbating hyperkalaemia

Question 11

tx of mild-moderate hyperkalaemia

Answer 11

ion exchange resins to remove excess K+ (calcium resonium)