Hypokaelmia And Hyperkalaemia Management Flashcards
What may untreated hyperkalaemia cause?
Life-threatening arrhythmias
It is crucial to address precipitating factors like acute kidney injury and stop aggravating drugs such as ACE inhibitors.
How does the European Resuscitation Council classify hyperkalaemia?
- Mild: 5.5 - 5.9 mmol/L
- Moderate: 6.0 - 6.4 mmol/L
- Severe: ≥ 6.5 mmol/L
The classification helps in determining the severity and subsequent management of hyperkalaemia.
What ECG changes are associated with hyperkalaemia?
- Peaked or ‘tall-tented’ T waves
- Loss of P waves
- Broad QRS complexes
- Sinusoidal wave pattern
ECG changes are important in determining management and should be assessed in all patients with new hyperkalaemia.
What is the role of IV calcium gluconate in hyperkalaemia management?
Stabilisation of the cardiac membrane
IV calcium gluconate does NOT lower serum potassium levels.
What is a short-term method to shift potassium from extracellular to intracellular fluid?
Combined insulin/dextrose infusion and nebulised salbutamol
This method helps in managing hyperkalaemia temporarily.
What are the methods for removing potassium from the body?
- Calcium resonium (orally or enema)
- Loop diuretics
- Dialysis
- Haemofiltration/haemodialysis
Enemas are more effective than oral administration as potassium is secreted by the rectum.
What should all patients with severe hyperkalaemia (≥ 6.5 mmol/L) or ECG changes receive?
Emergency treatment
This includes IV calcium gluconate for myocardium stabilization and insulin/dextrose infusion for potassium shift.
What are the presenting features of hypokalemia?
- Muscle weakness
- Hypotonia
Hypokalemia can predispose patients to digoxin toxicity, especially if they are on diuretics.
What are the ECG features of hypokalemia?
- U waves
- Small or absent T waves
- Prolonged PR interval
- ST depression
These features help in diagnosing hypokalemia through ECG changes.
Fill in the blank: The presence of _______ changes is important in determining the management of hyperkalaemia.
ECG
ECG changes provide critical information for treatment decisions.
What may untreated hyperkalaemia cause?
Life-threatening arrhythmias
It is crucial to address precipitating factors like acute kidney injury and stop aggravating drugs such as ACE inhibitors.
How does the European Resuscitation Council classify hyperkalaemia?
- Mild: 5.5 - 5.9 mmol/L
- Moderate: 6.0 - 6.4 mmol/L
- Severe: ≥ 6.5 mmol/L
The classification helps in determining the severity and subsequent management of hyperkalaemia.
What ECG changes are associated with hyperkalaemia?
- Peaked or ‘tall-tented’ T waves
- Loss of P waves
- Broad QRS complexes
- Sinusoidal wave pattern
ECG changes are important in determining management and should be assessed in all patients with new hyperkalaemia.
What is the role of IV calcium gluconate in hyperkalaemia management?
Stabilisation of the cardiac membrane
IV calcium gluconate does NOT lower serum potassium levels.
What is a short-term method to shift potassium from extracellular to intracellular fluid?
Combined insulin/dextrose infusion and nebulised salbutamol
This method helps in managing hyperkalaemia temporarily.
What are the methods for removing potassium from the body?
- Calcium resonium (orally or enema)
- Loop diuretics
- Dialysis
- Haemofiltration/haemodialysis
Enemas are more effective than oral administration as potassium is secreted by the rectum.
What should all patients with severe hyperkalaemia (≥ 6.5 mmol/L) or ECG changes receive?
Emergency treatment
This includes IV calcium gluconate for myocardium stabilization and insulin/dextrose infusion for potassium shift.
What are the presenting features of hypokalemia?
- Muscle weakness
- Hypotonia
Hypokalemia can predispose patients to digoxin toxicity, especially if they are on diuretics.
What are the ECG features of hypokalemia?
- U waves
- Small or absent T waves
- Prolonged PR interval
- ST depression
These features help in diagnosing hypokalemia through ECG changes.
Fill in the blank: The presence of _______ changes is important in determining the management of hyperkalaemia.
ECG
ECG changes provide critical information for treatment decisions.
