Ion imbalance Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the most abundant extracellular cation?
Na+
What is the most abundant extracellular anion?
Cl-
What is the most abundant intracellular ion?
K+
What is hypokalemia?
Low potassium in the blood (K+ < 3.5 mmol/L)
What are the symptoms of hypokalemia? (3 [6])
- SM: constipation
- SkM: weakness/ flaccid paralysis, cramps, resp depression)
- Cardiac: arrhythmias, arrest
How would you investigate hypokalemia? (2)
- U&E: K+ < 3.5 mmol/L
- ECG: U waves, no T, long PR and long QT
How would you treat hypokalemia? (2)
Mild: oral K+
Severe: IV K+
What is hyperkalemia?
High potassium in the blood (K+ > 5.5 mmol/L)
What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia? (3 [4])
- SM: cramping
- SkM: weakness/ flaccid paralysis
- Cardiac: arrhythmias, arrest
How would you investigate hyperkalemia? (2)
- U&E: K+ > 5.5 mmol/L
- ECG: tall tented T waves, ST depression, small P
How would you treat hyperkalemia? (4)
Non-urgent: polystyrene sulfonamide resin
Urgent: calcium gluconate; insulin; resins that bind K+
A pt’s ECG shows prolonged QT, inverted T wave and the presence of a U wave. What is this suggestive of?
Hypokalemia
A pt’s ECG shows tall tented T waves, small P wave and ST depression. What is this suggestive of?
Hyperkalemia
A pt’s ECG shows tall tented T waves, ST depression a wide QRS, prolonged PR interval and absent P waves. What is this suggestive of?
Severe hyperkalemia
How is calcium balance controlled in the body? (2)
Parathyroid: PTH
Thyroid: Calcitonin
How is the majority of Ca2+ stored in the body?
In the bone as calcium phosphate
What is hypercalcemia?
High calcium in the blood
What causes hypercalcemia? (2)
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Cancer
What are the symptoms of hypercalcaemia? (5)
- Painful BONES: fractures, osteoporosis
- Kidney STONES
- Abdominal GROANS: constipation, N+V, indigestion
- Psychiatric MOANS: lethargy/ fatigue, depression, confusion
- THRONES: polydipsia, polyuria
How would you investigate hypercalcemia? (3)
- U&E: Ca2+ > 10.5 mg/dL
- ECG: short QT interval, bradycardia, AV block
- Lab tests: parathyroid, vit D
How would you treat hypercalcemia? (3)
- Fluids: NaCl saline
- Furosemide (loop diuretics)
- Bisphosphonates (prevent bone resorption)
What is hypocalcemia?
Low blood calcium
What causes hypocalcemia? (5)
HAVOC Hypoparathyroidism Acute pancreatitis Vit D deficiency Osteomalacia CKD
What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia? (6)
SPASM C Spasms Peripheral paraesthesia Anxious Seizures Muscle tone increase Cataracts
