Electrolyte Imbalances: Potassium Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to potassium-related electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia and hypokalemia, their causes, manifestations, and related clinical considerations.

Potassium

An electrolyte primarily affected to compensate for acid-base imbalances.

Hyperkalemia

A condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often associated with oliguric kidney failure and Addison's disease.

Clinical Manifestations of Hyperkalemia

Symptoms that vary in severity, including increased neuromuscular irritability, muscle weakness, and cardiac abnormalities.

Hypokalemia

A condition marked by low potassium levels due to decreased intake, increased renal loss, or intracellular shift.

Acidosis

A condition in which there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, causing a shift of these ions into cells in exchange for potassium.

ECG Findings in Hyperkalemia

Narrow and taller T waves, shortened QT interval, delayed cardiac conduction, and potential ventricular fibrillation.

Insulin in DKA

Administration of insulin in diabetic ketoacidosis can cause decreased extracellular fluid potassium levels.

Renal Tubular Failure

A condition leading to increased renal loss of potassium.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition that can cause a shift of potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid.

Aldosterone

A hormone that decreases in Addison's disease, leading to potassium retention in the body.