Hypokalemia resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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== | ==Overview== | ||
[[Hypokalemia]] is defined as plasma potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L | [[Hypokalemia]] is defined as plasma potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L | ||
Revision as of 00:23, 13 March 2014
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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