Hypokalemia resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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3) For severe hypokalemia (K < 2.5 mEq/L) | 3) For severe hypokalemia (K < 2.5 mEq/L) | ||
* EKG findings show 'U' wave, flat or inverted T waves. | |||
* Intravenous KCL 80 mEQ/L @ 10-15mEq/hr with oral KCL 40-80mEq/L | |||
* Recheck potassium levels in 2-4 hours | |||
==Do's== | ==Do's== | ||
Revision as of 13:31, 22 November 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Definition
Hypokalemia is defined as plasma potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.
Common Causes
| Potassium < 3.5 mEq/L | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increased urinary loss measure spot urine potassium | Redistribution defects Elevated glucose Insulin excess alkalosis Periodic paralysis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spot Urine K < 10 GI losses Biliary losses Laxative abuse Intestinal fistula | Spot urine K > 20 Renal causes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elevated BP High Aldosterone | Normal BP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plasma renin | Plasma bicarbonate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low Renin Primary Hyperaldosteronism | High Renin Secondary Hyperaldosteronism | Low Bicarbonate RTA 1 RTA 2 | Low Bicarbonate measure urine chloride | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metabolic alkalosis Vomiting | Diuretics Bartters syndrome | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management
1) Hypokalemia may present as ileus, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis, and hypomagnesemia.
2) Treat the etiology.
3) For severe hypokalemia (K < 2.5 mEq/L)
- EKG findings show 'U' wave, flat or inverted T waves.
- Intravenous KCL 80 mEQ/L @ 10-15mEq/hr with oral KCL 40-80mEq/L
- Recheck potassium levels in 2-4 hours