Hypokalemia: Difference between revisions
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Hypokalemia may present as a result of: | Hypokalemia may present as a result of: | ||
*Chronic Kidney Failure | *Chronic Kidney Failure | ||
*Diabetic Ketoacidosis | *Diabetic Ketoacidosis | ||
*Diarrhea/Vomiting | *Diarrhea/Vomiting | ||
*Excessive Sweating | *Excessive Sweating | ||
*Excessive use of laxatives | *Excessive use of laxatives | ||
*Prescription Diuretic Pills | *Prescription Diuretic Pills | ||
*Primary Aldosteronism<ref>Low postassium (hypokalemia)[Internet] 2011 August 17 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-potassium/MY00760</ref> | *Primary Aldosteronism<ref>Low postassium (hypokalemia)[Internet] 2011 August 17 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-potassium/MY00760</ref> | ||
*Liddle Syndrome | *Liddle Syndrome | ||
*Cushing Syndrome | *Cushing Syndrome | ||
*Bartter Syndrome | *Bartter Syndrome | ||
*Fanconi Syndrome | *Fanconi Syndrome | ||
*Bulimia<references />/2 | *Bulimia<references />/2 | ||
*Eating large amounts of licorice, herbal teas or chewing tobacco | *Eating large amounts of licorice, herbal teas or chewing tobacco | ||
*Magnesium Deficiency | *Magnesium Deficiency | ||
*Glue Sniffing | *Glue Sniffing | ||
*Alcoholism (poor appetite and/or vomiting) | *Alcoholism (poor appetite and/or vomiting) | ||
*Amphotericin B therapy | *Amphotericin B therapy | ||
*Hypothermia<references />/1 | *Hypothermia<references />/1 | ||
Revision as of 21:08, 1 April 2013
Original Editors - Kara Lawless from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page. Read more.
Definition/Description
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Prevalence
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Hypokalemia is more common in hospitalized patients, up to 15%, as a result of other pathologies. While only 3% of the outpatient population is found to have Hypokalemia. No difference has been shown between gender and race.[1]
Characteristics/Clinical[edit | edit source]
An individual with Hypokalemis may exhibit signs of the following:
- Abnormal heart rhythyms
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Muscle Damage
- Muscle Weakness or spasms
- Paralysis[2]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Polyuria, nocturia or polydipsia
- Altered mental status
- Signs of Ileus
- Hypotension
- Cardia arrest
- Bradycardia or Tachycardia
- Premature atrial or ventricular beats
- Hypoventilation/Respiratory distress
- Respiratory failure
- Lethargy
- Edema (Cushingoid appearance)[3]
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
Hypokalemia may present as a result of:
- Chronic Kidney Failure
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Diarrhea/Vomiting
- Excessive Sweating
- Excessive use of laxatives
- Prescription Diuretic Pills
- Primary Aldosteronism[4]
- Liddle Syndrome
- Cushing Syndrome
- Bartter Syndrome
- Fanconi Syndrome
- Bulimia
/2
- Eating large amounts of licorice, herbal teas or chewing tobacco
- Magnesium Deficiency
- Glue Sniffing
- Alcoholism (poor appetite and/or vomiting)
- Amphotericin B therapy
- Hypothermia/1
Medications
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In order to correct Hypokalemia, potassium supplements can be administered orally or intervenously./2 Oral preparations of potassium include 8m Eq KCl slow release tablets, 20 mEq KClelixir, 20 mEq KCl powder, 25mEq KCl tablet./3
Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
Hypokalemia is commonly found in a blood test, with <3.5mmol/L as mild hypokalemia and <2.5mmol/L as severe hypokalmia.*4 A 12-lead electrocardiogram may be necessary if severe to check from cardiac arrythymias. Other tests may include: arterial blood gas, Basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, as well as, blood tests to check glucose magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, thyroxine, and aldosterone levels.*1
Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
Low potassium has many causes with the most common being excessive loss in urine or from the digestive tract. Very seldom it may be caused by not getting enought potassium into your diet. *4
Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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