Potassium Flashcards
What treatment provides the most rapid reduction in serum K+ in patients with hyperkalemia?
IV insulin and glucose
Calcium gluconate or IV insulin with glucose is typically reserved for hyperkalemia in patients with any of the following:
- ECG changes
- K+ ≥ 6.5 mEq
- rapidly rising K+
What cardiac complication is associated with succinylcholine in patients with skeletal muscle trauma?
Cardiac arrhythmia due to hyperkalemia
If you have hyperkalemia associated with ECG changes, first step is to:
- Administer IV calcium infusion (e.g. calcium gluconate or calcium chloride) to stabilize the cardiac myocyte membrane
What is the next step in management for CKD patient with severe, acute hyperkalemia (> 6.5 mEq/L) that is refractory to medication?
Hemodialysis
What is the likely diagnosis in a patient on high-doses of β2 agonists (e.g. albuterol, epinephrine) who develops muscle weakness?
Hypokalemia
ECG findings of hypokalemia:
- T wave flattening and inversion, - Prominent U waves,
- ST segment depression.
What acid-base disturbance is associated with hypokalemia?
Alkalosis
What is the recommended treatment for a patient with metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia secondary to recurrent vomiting?
IV saline and potassium
-Vomiting causes:
-Diarrhea causes
- metabolic alkalosis
- metabolic acidosis
What are the effects of hypomagnesemia on serum potassium levels?
Decreased (hypokalemia)
What is the likely diagnosis in a patient that presents with muscle cramps/weakness and hyporeflexia with U waves and broad, flat T waves on ECG?
Hypokalemia
Complications of succinylcholine include ___calcemia, ____kalemia, and
- hyper
- hyper
- malignant hyperthermia
