Hypokalemia
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<3.5 mmol/L
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Severe < 2.5 mmol/L
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ECG changes
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ST depression
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U wave
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QT prolongation (>450 ms)
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PVCs
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AV block
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Bradycardia
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Vtach
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Vfib
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Treatment- Replacement
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Each 10 mEq raises K 0.1 mmol/L
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PO replacement preferred
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ECG changes require admission and IV + oral replacement.
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Magnesium replacement is also indicated.
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Many foods contain potassium. Replacement need not be tablets only. See list here.
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Symptoms
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Muscle cramps
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Muscle weakness
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Ileus
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Causes
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Insulin administration shifts K+ into intracellular space
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Albuterol administration
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Metabolic alkalosis ( 0.1 increase in pH = 0.5 mmol/L decrease in K+ )
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Alcohol abuse
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Vomiting, Diarrhea
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Diuretic use
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Hypercalcemia
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Hypomagnesemia
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Verapamil (with overdose)
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Quetiapine (particularly in overdose)
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Ampicillin, carbenicillin, high-dose penicillins
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Bicarbonate
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Antifungal agents (amphotericin B, azoles, echinocandins)
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Gentamicin
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