Fluids and electrolytes: Potassium wasting nephropathy
In this video Joel Topf looks at three types of potassium wasting nephropathies: Polyuria; distal RTA; and hypomagnesemia...and how each can lead to hypokalemia.
In this video Joel Topf looks at three types of potassium wasting nephropathies: Polyuria; distal RTA; and hypomagnesemia...and how each can lead to hypokalemia.
Physiology Philes: Draw a normal ECG tracing showing the durations of the major intervals and the effects of hyperkalemia. BSCC Examination question
Potassium clearly has its potential for risks including life-threatening hyperkalaemia and cardiac arrest. It is very concerning that the slow-release preparation is available in bottles of 100 without prescription. Aggressive decontamination and haemodialysis are indicated in large overdoses.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation (sodium is major extracellular). 90% is exchangeable, with an inverse relationship to serum pH
Hypokalaemia: the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalised patients; mostly caused by drugs and GI disease
Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening emergency. Basic overview of hyperkalemia management