Potassium Balance

Question 1

what is normal serum potassium

Answer 1

3.5-5.3

Question 2

describe the production of Ang II

Answer 2

angiotensinogen (liver) converted to Ang I by renin

Ang I conv to Ang II by ACE (lung)

Question 3

what are the effects of Ang II production

Answer 3

-> aldosterone release (from adrenals) -> K+ excretion, Na+ resorption -> inc blood vol and pressure

Question 4

what will increased potassium have

Answer 4

trigger RAAS system -> aldosterone release

Question 5

give 4 causes of kyperkalaemia

Answer 5

renal impairment (dec GFR)
drugs
dec aldosterone (addisons)
release from cells (rhabdomyolysis, acidosis)

Question 6

give 3 drugs that cause hyperkalamia

Answer 6

ACEi. ARBs, spironolactone

Question 7

what will hyperkal look like on an ecg

Answer 7

early peaked t waves, broad QRS, flat p waves

Question 8

what is the management of hyperkal

Answer 8

10ml 10% ca gluconate
50ml 50% dextrose
10u insulin

Question 9

give 3 causes of Hypokalaemia

Answer 9

GI loss (D&V)
renal loss - hyperaldosteronism, conns, loop diuretics and thizides
redistribution into cells - insulin/insulinomas, B agonists. alkalosis

Question 10

what are some clinical feature of hypokalaemia

Answer 10

weakness, cardiac arrythmias, polyuria + polydipsia

Question 11

what should you screen for if K is dec and Bp is up, and what are you looking for

Answer 11

screen for conns, looking for high aldosterone:renin ratio

Question 12

how is hypokalaemia managed

Answer 12

if [k] 3-3.5 - oral KCl

if [k] < 3 - iv KCl