Potassium Disorders

Question 1

What level is hyperkalaemia?

Answer 1

> 5.5

Question 2

Causes of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

Acidosis
Addison’s Disease
ACEI, Spironolactone, digoxin.

Question 3

ECG changes in hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

Flattening of P waves and tenting of T waves.

Question 4

Sine wave pattern on ECG would suggest what?

Answer 4

Hyperkalaemia?

Question 5

How you manage Hyperkalemia?

Answer 5

1). Stabilise myocardium 10ml 10% calcium gluconate

2) Drive potassium back into cells.
- Salbutamol neb (5mg)
- Insulin dextrose : 10 units with 50mls 50% dextrose.

Question 6

What is the dose of insulin dextrose for hyperkalaemia?

Answer 6

10 units of insulin in 50mls 50% dextrose.

Question 7

.Main cause of hypokalaemia?

Answer 7

Diuretics.

Question 8

How does hypokalaemia present on ECG?

Answer 8

T wave flattening or inversion.

ST depression,

U waves, waves after T waves.

Question 9

What do U waves signify?

Answer 9

Hypokalaemia or hypocalcaemia.

Question 10

Presentation of hypokalaemia?

Answer 10

Muscle cramps
Paraesthesia
Palpitations and ECG changes.

Question 11

Management of hypokalaemia?

Answer 11

Replace 40mmol IV.

DO NOT replace faster than 10mmol. Hour.