30 Questions
What is the effect of prolonged K+ depletion on the renal system?
It impairs the renal concentrating mechanism and causes polyuria
What is the treatment for patients with mild to moderate symptomatic hypokalemia?
Oral potassium replacement with dried fruits, nuts, and bananas
What is the rate of IV potassium administration in emergency situations?
40 mmol/h
What should be avoided in severely hypokalemic patients?
Glucose-containing parenteral fluids
What is the definition of hyperkalemia?
Serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L
What is the normal serum potassium level below which hypokalemia occurs?
2.9 mmol/L
What can cause hypokalemia even without potassium depletion?
Intracellular shift of potassium
What is the common IV form of potassium?
Potassium chloride
What is a possible complication of hypokalemia below 2.5 mmol/L?
Muscle necrosis and rhabdomyolysis
What is a possible ECG finding in hypokalemia?
Prolongation of the P-R interval
What can worsen paralytic ileus in hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia itself
What is a possible result of long-standing potassium depletion?
Muscle cramps and tetany
What is the normal serum concentration of potassium in the body?
2.9 - 5.0 mmol/L
What is the main route of potassium entry into the ECF?
Intestine
What is a potential consequence of prolonged starvation?
K+ depletion
What is the primary function of potassium in the body?
Neuromuscular excitability and contraction of the heart
What is the approximate amount of potassium lost into the intestinal lumen daily?
60 mmol/day
What is the ratio of potassium concentration inside the cells compared to outside?
20 times greater
What is the reason for not reporting K+ results if the specimen is haemolysed?
Because the K+ leakage from cells is faster
What is the main danger of severe hyperkalaemia?
Cardiac arrest
What is the effect of calcium gluconate in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?
It antagonises the effect of hyper-K+ on heart muscles
What is the purpose of giving glucose and insulin in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?
To lower the K+ level for some hours
What is the effect of sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?
It increases the rate of K+ entry into the cells
What is the effect of nebulized salbutamol in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?
It redistributes K+ into cells
Where can excessive intestinal K+ loss occur?
In diarrhoea, ileostomy fluid or through fistulae
What percentage of ECF potassium is lost in the urine?
10%
What stimulates the intercalated cells to secrete K+ in the distal tubules and collecting ducts?
Aldosterone
What is the function of the Na+/K+ ATPase 'pump' on cell surfaces?
To maintain a high intracellular K+ by exchanging 3Na+ for 2K+
What happens to plasma K+ levels when catecholamines stimulate cellular K+ uptake?
It decreases
What effect does β-blockade have on plasma K+ levels?
It increases plasma K+ levels
Test your knowledge on hypokalemia, its causes, symptoms, and effects on the body. Learn about potassium depletion, intracellular shifts, and pseudohypokalemia. A must-try quiz for medical students and healthcare professionals!
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