Potassium

Definition
Etiology

Manifestations

Management

Hypokalemia
Serum K less than 3.5mEq/L
Transcellular shift (1)
B2 agonist, Hypothermia,
.Alkalosis, Insulin
Renal K loss (2)
Diuretics, Mg depletion, NG
drainage
Extrarenal K loss (3)
Diarrhea
Muscle weakness, inversion T
.wave,
Long QT interval

.Estimate K deficit (1)

Give20 mEq of KCL to 100ml (2)
of isotonic saline over 1h
.through a large central vein

Hyperkalemia
Serum K more than 5.5mEq/L
Transcellular shift (1)
Acidosis, Tumour lysis, blood
.transfusion and drugs
Renal impairment (2)
.GFR drop below 10ml/min

ECG abnormalities (1)

.Peaked T wave
.1st degree heart block
.Complete heart block
.Ventricular fibrillation
Antagonize cardiac effects (1)

Hypokalemia
Definitions
Hypokalemia is a serum potassium concentration below 3.5 mEq/L
Severe hypokalemia is a serum potassium concentration below 2.5 mEq/L
Causes
Transcellular shift: B2 agonist, alkalosis, hypothermia, insulin.
(2) Renal Potassium Loss: diuretic therapy, Magnesium depletion.
(3) Extrarenal Potassium Loss: diarrhea

(1)

Clinical Manifestations
Diffuse muscle weakness.
(1)
(2) Prominent U waves, inversion of T waves, prolongation of the QT
interval.
(3) Hypokalemia alone does not produce serious
.ventricular arrhythmias
Management