POTASSIUM

• Normal K+ range 3.5 - 5.5

HYPERKALEMIA (K+ >5.5)

• Cause of hyperkalemia
➢ Acidosis, aldosterone deficiency, ACE inhibitors, ARBS
➢ Beta-blocker
➢ Crush injury,
➢ Digitalis, insulin deficiency
➢ Renal, RTA type IV

Frequently tested

• Management:

• Initial step get EKG

➢ If EKG shows peaked T, no P and prolong PR

- Treatment:

- 1st step, calcium gluconate (stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane) followed by IV Insulin + glucose

➢ If EKG is normal:

- Treatment:

- IV Insulin (drives K+ into the cell) + Glucose (given to prevent hypoglycemia)
- IV Sodium Bicarbonate (Shifts K+ into the cell)
- Kayexelate (removes potassium from the body)

• If all of the above measures fail – Tx. (please check out the book for further details)


Below is the link to this book, click to the reviews and look inside

http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Management-USMLE-STEP/dp/0578127415/ref=sr_1_...SMLE+step+3

or go to:

Amazon and search "Next step in management USMLE STEP 3"
or
Google search " Next step in management USMLE Step 3


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