Disorders of Potassium Balance Quiz

What is the effect of prolonged K+ depletion on the renal system?

It improves the renal concentrating mechanism
It impairs the renal concentrating mechanism and causes polyuria (correct)
It increases the absorption of oral K+ supplements
It has no effect on the renal system

What is the treatment for patients with mild to moderate symptomatic hypokalemia?

Oral potassium replacement with dried fruits, nuts, and bananas (correct)
Discontinue diuretics/laxatives
Treat diarrhea or vomiting
IV potassium replacement

What is the rate of IV potassium administration in emergency situations?

30 mmol/h
10 mmol/h
20 mmol/h
40 mmol/h (correct)

What should be avoided in severely hypokalemic patients?

Glucose-containing parenteral fluids (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of hyperkalemia?

Serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal serum potassium level below which hypokalemia occurs?

2.9 mmol/L (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can cause hypokalemia even without potassium depletion?

Intracellular shift of potassium (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the common IV form of potassium?

Potassium chloride (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible complication of hypokalemia below 2.5 mmol/L?

Muscle necrosis and rhabdomyolysis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible ECG finding in hypokalemia?

Prolongation of the P-R interval (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can worsen paralytic ileus in hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia itself (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible result of long-standing potassium depletion?

Muscle cramps and tetany (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal serum concentration of potassium in the body?

2.9 - 5.0 mmol/L (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main route of potassium entry into the ECF?

Intestine (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of prolonged starvation?

K+ depletion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of potassium in the body?

Neuromuscular excitability and contraction of the heart (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate amount of potassium lost into the intestinal lumen daily?

60 mmol/day (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of potassium concentration inside the cells compared to outside?

20 times greater (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for not reporting K+ results if the specimen is haemolysed?

Because the K+ leakage from cells is faster (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger of severe hyperkalaemia?

Cardiac arrest (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of calcium gluconate in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?

It antagonises the effect of hyper-K+ on heart muscles (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of giving glucose and insulin in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?

To lower the K+ level for some hours (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?

It increases the rate of K+ entry into the cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of nebulized salbutamol in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?

It redistributes K+ into cells (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where can excessive intestinal K+ loss occur?

In diarrhoea, ileostomy fluid or through fistulae (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ECF potassium is lost in the urine?

10% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the intercalated cells to secrete K+ in the distal tubules and collecting ducts?

Aldosterone (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Na+/K+ ATPase 'pump' on cell surfaces?

To maintain a high intracellular K+ by exchanging 3Na+ for 2K+ (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plasma K+ levels when catecholamines stimulate cellular K+ uptake?

It decreases (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does β-blockade have on plasma K+ levels?

It increases plasma K+ levels (C) Signup and view all the answers