Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia Clinical Notes

Practice flashcards covering the causes, symptoms, and complications of high and low potassium levels (Hyperkalaemia and Hypokalaemia) based on lecture transcript notes.

hyperkalemia

plasma potassium levels exceeding 5.0 mEq/L

cause for hyperkalaemia

kidney diseases / failure, high-potassium diet. medication induced, addison disease, rhabdomyolysis, rhabdomyolysis, burns

Rhabdomyolysis (横纹肌溶解)

A condition that can lead to hyperkalemia, normally come from crushing sydrome, can not release the pressure immediately.

medication can induce hyperkalemia

ACE inhibitors, angiotnensin receptor blockers, beta-blocker, potassium-sparing diuretics. digoxin, aldosterone anatagonist.

Calcium gluconate

A treatment given to stabilise the cardiac membrane when ECG changes are present; it does not lower serum potassium levels.Cardiac membrane stabilisation with calcium gluconate is essential when the serum potassium exceeds 6.5 mmol/L or when ECG changes of hyperkalaemia are present.

Hyperkalemia ECG changes

Tall, peaked T waves that may progress to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Flaccid paralysis

A state to which muscle weakness may progress as a complication of hyperkalemia.

Spironolactone (螺内酯)

A medication whose complications include hyperkalemia, very high T waves, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

Cushing syndrome and conning sydrome

Conditions identified as potential causes of hypokalemia.

A SIC WHAT A / A SIC WALT

An acronym for hypokalemia symptoms: Alkalosis, Arrhythmias, Skeleton muscle weakness, Cramps/constipation, Weakness, Abnormal ECG, T depression, U wave, Lethargy, and Tingling.

U wave

An ECG feature that shows up specifically in cases of hypokalemia.

Digoxin toxicity

A condition caused by low potassium (hypokalemia) that can also lead to hyperkalemia.

symptom for digoxin toxicity

The symptoms described, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, and visual disturbances (yellow halos), are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.

common reason for digoxin toxicity

• Digoxin toxicity can occur due to acute renal injury, as the drug is primarily eliminated by the kidneys.

Reduced cardiac contractility

A complication of hyperkalemia caused by myocardial and skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Respiratory failure (Hyperkalemia)

A complication caused specifically by respiratory muscle weakness.

treatment for hyperlakemia

Insulin with dextrose and salbutamol lower serum potassium by promoting intracellular shift, while sodium polystyrene sulfonate removes potassium via the gastrointestinal tract but acts more slowly

Salt restrictions for CKD

• Dietary salt restriction to less than 5 g per day is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease.