Renal

Question 1

Albuterol dose and duration of action to treat hyperkalemia?

Answer 1

Albuterol has an onset of action of 10-30 minutes. It can be given by inhalation or intravenously and functions by stimulating β2 receptors which drive potassium intracellularly. Standard inhaled dosing may lower serum potassium by 1-1.5 mEq/L.

Question 2

Insulin dose and duration of action to treat hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

Regular insulin drives potassium intracellularly. Its onset of action is 15-20 minutes and peak effect may occur after an hour. It can be given with or without dextrose depending on whether hyperglycemia is also present. A dose of 10 units lowers serum potassium by approximately 1 mEq/L.

Question 3

Sodium bicarbonate dose and duration of action to treat hyperkalemia? and when it is appropriate?

Answer 3

It is useful in the setting of metabolic acidosis. Its onset, when given intravenously, is 15 minutes and an infusion of 2-4 mEq/min lowers serum potassium by 0.5-0.75 mEq/L.

Question 4

Sodium polystyrene dose and duration of action to treat hyperkalemia?

Answer 4

given orally or rectally with an onset of action of 1-2 hours (slowest of all hyperkalemia treatment options).
A dose of 25-50 mg lowers serum potassium by 0.5-1 mEq/L.