11- Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium Levels) – Hyperkalemia Symptoms & Treatment – Dr. Berg

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKW99YifhHs

Answer: C. Hyperkalemia

Explanation: Hyperkalemia is the condition of having too much potassium in the blood, while hypokalemia refers to low potassium levels.

What is the medical term for high levels of potassium in the blood?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hyponatremia

Answer: C. 98%

Explanation: According to Dr. Berg, about 98% of all potassium in the body is stored inside the cells, while only 2% is outside (in the blood and extracellular fluid).

What percentage of potassium in the body is found inside the cells?

A. 50%
B. 75%
C. 98%
D. 2%

What is pseudo-hyperkalemia?

A. A true rise in potassium levels due to kidney failure
B. A false reading caused by damaged blood cells during blood draw
C. A decrease in potassium levels due to dehydration
D. A condition caused by excessive potassium intake

Answer: B. A false reading caused by damaged blood cells during blood draw

Explanation: Pseudo-hyperkalemia happens when blood cells are damaged during sampling, leaking potassium and giving a falsely high result.

Which of the following is the most common cause of true hyperkalemia?

A. Addison’s disease
B. Excessive potassium intake
C. Advanced kidney disease
D. Low sodium diet

Answer: C. Advanced kidney disease

Explanation: When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot properly excrete potassium, leading to accumulation in the blood.

Addison’s disease leads to high potassium levels because it causes the body to:

A. Retain sodium and excrete potassium
B. Retain potassium and lose sodium
C. Retain both sodium and potassium
D. Excrete both sodium and potassium

Answer: B. Retain potassium and lose sodium

Explanation: Addison’s disease causes sodium loss and potassium retention due to adrenal gland dysfunction.

Which of the following medications can increase potassium levels in the blood?

A. Antibiotics
B. NSAIDs and certain blood pressure medications
C. Antihistamines
D. Antacids

Answer: B. NSAIDs and certain blood pressure medications

Explanation: NSAIDs and some antihypertensive drugs (like ACE inhibitors) can raise potassium levels by affecting kidney function and hormonal control.

Which statement about potassium intake is TRUE according to Dr. Berg?

A. Excessive potassium intake is a common cause of hyperkalemia
B. The body has no way to remove extra potassium
C. The body easily eliminates excess potassium through urine
D. Potassium and sodium are both easily eliminated

Answer: C. The body easily eliminates excess potassium through urine

Explanation: Dr. Berg notes that excessive potassium intake rarely causes hyperkalemia because the body can efficiently excrete potassium.

Which of the following is NOT a standard treatment Dr. Berg mentions for hyperkalemia?

A. Calcium
B. Insulin
C. Dextrose
D. Potassium supplements

Answer: D. Potassium supplements

Explanation: Dr. Berg lists calcium, insulin, dextrose, and sodium bicarbonate as treatments. Potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia.

What are common symptoms of hypokalemia mentioned by Dr. Berg?

A. Palpitations and confusion
B. Leg cramps, weakness, constipation, and abnormal heart rhythms
C. Fever and dehydration
D. Weight loss and insomnia

Answer: B. Leg cramps, weakness, constipation, and abnormal heart rhythms

Explanation: These are classic symptoms of low potassium, which Dr. Berg describes as the most common electrolyte imbalance in hospitalized patients.

Why does Dr. Berg consider intracellular potassium testing more valuable than blood testing?

A. It measures sodium and potassium together
B. It provides a better view of potassium inside cells
C. It’s cheaper and easier to perform
D. It uses saliva instead of blood

Answer: B. It provides a better view of potassium inside cells

Explanation: Because most potassium is stored inside cells, Dr. Berg believes intracellular testing gives more accurate information about potassium balance.

Which of the following symptoms may appear when hyperkalemia becomes severe?

A. Dry mouth and dizziness
B. Palpitations, tiredness, muscle pain, and weakness
C. Fever and confusion
D. Nausea and vomiting

Answer: B. Palpitations, tiredness, muscle pain, and weakness

Explanation: Dr. Berg notes that hyperkalemia is often symptomless, but in severe cases, it can cause palpitations, fatigue, and muscle weakness or pain.

What can cause pseudo-hyperkalemia during a blood test?

A. Excessive potassium in the diet
B. Trauma to the cells when drawing blood
C. Low insulin levels
D. High calcium intake

Answer: B. Trauma to the cells when drawing blood

Explanation: When blood cells are damaged during the blood draw, they release potassium, giving a false impression of high blood potassium levels.

Why is advanced kidney disease a leading cause of hyperkalemia?

A. The kidneys release too much potassium
B. The kidneys fail to excrete potassium properly
C. The kidneys store extra sodium
D. The kidneys overproduce insulin

Answer: B. The kidneys fail to excrete potassium properly

Explanation: Damaged kidneys cannot eliminate potassium efficiently, leading to high blood potassium levels.

In Addison’s disease, what happens to sodium and potassium levels?

A. Sodium is lost, and potassium is retained
B. Both sodium and potassium are retained
C. Sodium is retained, and potassium is lost
D. Both sodium and potassium are lost

Answer: A. Sodium is lost, and potassium is retained

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that in Addison’s disease, due to adrenal gland dysfunction, the body loses sodium and retains potassium.

Which of the following is NOT recommended for someone with advanced kidney disease or Addison’s disease?

A. Giving extra potassium
B. Reducing sodium intake
C. Maintaining hydration
D. Monitoring blood pressure

Answer: A. Giving extra potassium

Explanation: Dr. Berg warns that potassium supplementation should be avoided in these conditions because the body already retains excess potassium.

Which of the following medications can contribute to high blood potassium according to Dr. Berg?

A. Antibiotics and painkillers
B. NSAIDs for pain and certain blood pressure drugs
C. Antidepressants and antihistamines
D. Sedatives and vitamins

Answer: B. NSAIDs for pain and certain blood pressure drugs

Explanation: These medications can raise potassium levels in the blood by interfering with kidney function and hormone balance.

Why is excessive potassium intake rarely a primary cause of hyperkalemia?

A. Potassium doesn’t get absorbed by the intestines
B. The kidneys easily excrete extra potassium
C. Potassium stays in the muscles
D. The liver neutralizes potassium

Answer: B. The kidneys easily excrete extra potassium

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that the body has natural mechanisms to eliminate excess potassium, making overconsumption a rare cause.

How is sodium handled differently in the body compared to potassium?

A. Sodium is easily lost; potassium is retained
B. Sodium is retained; potassium is excreted easily
C. Both are stored in the liver
D. Both are excreted equally

Answer: B. Sodium is retained; potassium is excreted easily

Explanation: According to Dr. Berg, the body tends to hold onto sodium but can get rid of extra potassium efficiently through urine.

Which of the following is part of the medical treatment Dr. Berg lists for hyperkalemia?

A. Potassium chloride
B. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
C. Vitamin D supplements
D. Calcium carbonate

Answer: B. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Explanation: Dr. Berg mentions calcium, insulin, dextrose, and sodium bicarbonate as medical treatments used to manage hyperkalemia.

Which two substances mentioned by Dr. Berg are often injected to help lower potassium levels?

A. Insulin and dextrose
B. Sodium and calcium
C. Magnesium and bicarbonate
D. Vitamin C and B12

Answer: A. Insulin and dextrose

Explanation: Dr. Berg states that insulin and dextrose can be injected as part of medical treatment for hyperkalemia.

What did Dr. Berg find interesting about insulin and dextrose treatment?

A. They increase potassium absorption
B. They lower blood potassium levels
C. They are related to blood sugar and carbohydrate intake
D. They both contain high sodium

Answer: C. They are related to blood sugar and carbohydrate intake

Explanation: Dr. Berg finds it interesting that insulin and sugar (dextrose) are used in treatment, as they are connected to carbohydrate metabolism.

Which of the following is TRUE about hypokalemia according to Dr. Berg?

A. It’s rare and occurs mostly in athletes
B. It’s the most common electrolyte imbalance in hospitalized patients
C. It only occurs with low-sodium diets
D. It causes no symptoms

Answer: B. It’s the most common electrolyte imbalance in hospitalized patients

Explanation: Dr. Berg mentions that hypokalemia is very common among hospitalized individuals.

Which of these is NOT a symptom of hypokalemia listed by Dr. Berg?

A. Leg cramps
B. Weakness
C. Constipation
D. Fever

Answer: D. Fever

Explanation: Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, and abnormal heart rhythms — not fever.

According to Dr. Berg, what is the main problem with testing potassium levels only through blood tests?

A. It measures sodium instead
B. It only reflects 2% of total body potassium
C. It’s more expensive than intracellular testing
D. It can’t detect sodium loss

Answer: B. It only reflects 2% of total body potassium

Explanation: Since 98% of potassium is inside cells, blood tests show only a small fraction of total potassium in the body.

What kind of test does Dr. Berg recommend for a more accurate measure of potassium levels?

A. Blood sugar test
B. Intracellular potassium test
C. Urine potassium test
D. Sodium absorption test

Answer: B. Intracellular potassium test

Explanation: Dr. Berg recommends an intracellular potassium (and magnesium) test for a clearer picture of mineral balance inside the cells.

What additional mineral does Dr. Berg suggest checking along with intracellular potassium?

A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Magnesium
D. Zinc

Answer: C. Magnesium

Explanation: Dr. Berg suggests testing both intracellular potassium and magnesium to get useful data about overall electrolyte status.

According to Dr. Berg, what can intracellular potassium and magnesium levels indicate?

A. Risk for arrhythmias or high blood pressure
B. Risk for diabetes
C. Risk for dehydration
D. Risk for obesity

Answer: A. Risk for arrhythmias or high blood pressure

Explanation: Dr. Berg says these levels can help show whether someone is at risk for heart rhythm issues or high blood pressure.

What service does Dr. Berg mention at the end of his talk?

A. A free diet plan for everyone
B. A keto consultant for people in the U.S.
C. A blood testing program for minerals
D. A hospital-based potassium clinic

Answer: B. A keto consultant for people in the U.S.

Explanation: Dr. Berg concludes by mentioning that he has a keto consultant available by phone for U.S. viewers who need guidance with keto or related issues.