Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the recommended daily intake of potassium for Canadians?
What is the recommended daily intake of potassium for Canadians?
Which of the following is NOT a source of dietary potassium?
Which of the following is NOT a source of dietary potassium?
What role does potassium play in cellular function?
What role does potassium play in cellular function?
What affects serum potassium concentration the least?
What affects serum potassium concentration the least?
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What symptom is associated with hypokalemia when serum potassium drops below 6 mmol/L?
What symptom is associated with hypokalemia when serum potassium drops below 6 mmol/L?
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Which condition can lead to decreased potassium excretion?
Which condition can lead to decreased potassium excretion?
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What is one of the goals of therapy for hyperkalemia?
What is one of the goals of therapy for hyperkalemia?
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Which drug is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic that can contribute to hyperkalemia?
Which drug is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic that can contribute to hyperkalemia?
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Which process can lead to the redistribution of potassium into extracellular space?
Which process can lead to the redistribution of potassium into extracellular space?
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What is a potential side effect of using Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
What is a potential side effect of using Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
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Study Notes
Potassium
- Daily potassium intake recommendation: 4700 mg (Adequate Intake)
- Most Canadians do not meet this recommendation
- Sources of dietary potassium: fruits (apricots, bananas, guava, kiwi, nectarines), vegetables (broccoli, spinach), potatoes, milk, yogurt, bran cereals
- Potassium resides primarily intracellularly
- 98% of total body potassium is located within cells
- Potassium is actively transported into cells by the Na+-K+-ATPase pump
- Potassium is a major determinant of the resting action potential in neurons, skeletal muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes
Serum Potassium
- Normal concentration: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L (mEq/L)
- Represents approximately 2% of total body potassium
- Serum potassium concentration is influenced by:
- Dietary intake
- Excretion from kidneys (90%) and the gastrointestinal system (10%)
- Sequestration in muscle and hepatic cells
- Hormone levels (insulin, aldosterone)
- Acid/Base balance
Hypokalemia
- Occurs when serum potassium drops below 3.5 mmol/L
- Symptoms include:
- Loss of P wave
- Widening of the QRS complex
- QRS complex and T wave merging, creating a sine-wave pattern
Hyperkalemia
- Elevated serum potassium levels
- Causes include:
- Increased potassium intake
- Overcorrection of hypokalemia
- Decreased potassium excretion
- Acute or chronic renal failure
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Redistribution of potassium into extracellular space:
- Metabolic acidosis
- Increased potassium intake
Drug Induced Hyperkalemia
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
- Direct renin inhibitors
- Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs)
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- 𝛽-blockers
- Digoxin
- Cyclosporine
- Tacrolimus
- Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
Management of Hyperkalemia
- Assess severity, rate of onset, and patient's clinical condition
- Identify any dietary or drug-related contributions to elevated potassium levels
- Goals of therapy:
- Minimize cardiac conduction effects
- Return serum and total-body stores of potassium to normal levels
- Treatment involves:
- Administering intravenous calcium: Raises the cardiac threshold potential (antagonizes the cardiac membrane effect of hyperkalemia)
Management of Mild to Moderate Hyperkalemia
- Asymptomatic patients with serum potassium levels between 5.0 and 5.5mmol/L
- Monitor serum potassium level and electrolytes
- Assess patient’s renal function
- Identify precipitating factors and remove them if possible
- Monitor clinical condition and ECG for any signs of hyperkalemia
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Description
Explore the importance of potassium in the diet, including daily intake recommendations and food sources. Understand the role of serum potassium levels in the body and the factors influencing its concentration. This quiz also covers the implications of hypokalemia and cellular transport mechanisms.
