Last Updated on August 24, 2022
Introduction
• Daily requirement of potassium = 1mmol/kg (i.e. body weight)
Definition
• Hypokalaemia is serum potassium less than 3.5 mmol/L
• Severe hypokalaemia: Serum K+ <2.5 mmol/L
Common Causes
(i) Inadequate intake
(ii) Loss
GI loss
• Excessive vomiting / diarrhoea
• High output stoma
Loss from skin
• Burns
(iii) Redistribution into cells
• ß-agonist e.g. Salbutamol
• Insulin treatment
Investigations
Blood
• ABG / VBG
ECG
• Prolonged PR interval
• Prolonged QT interval
• Diffuse ST depression
• Prominent U wave
Management
Fast correction (with IV KCl)
• Correction = deficit + maintenance
Tips
This content is restricted to subscribers
Q&A
This content is restricted to subscribers