Hypokalaemia

Question 1

Causes of hypokalaemia

Answer 1

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Medications
  
  • Loop diuretics (i.e. furosemide)
  • Thiazide duiretics (i.e hydrochlorothiazide)

Question 2

Presentation of hypokalaemia

Answer 2

• Asymptomatic
• Muscle weakness
• Hypotonia
• Cardiac arrhythmias - ECG changes:
  
  • Flattening and inversion of T waves
  • Q-T interval prolongation
  • Visible U wave
  • Mild ST depression

Question 3

Management of hypokalaemia (mild)

Answer 3

• Sando K
• Stop relevant medications

Question 4

Management of hypokalaemia (severe)

Answer 4

• Telemetry
• IV replacement (e.g. 40mmol of K in 500mls of 0.9% sodium chloride)