7 - Hypo Kale Mia - Yap, Nivera

8/6/2019 7 - Hypo Kale Mia - Yap, Nivera

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Reporters:

Nivera, Abigael Q.

Yap, Racel



Objectives:�Understand the definition of hypokalemia

�K now the underlying causes involved

� Identify the signs and symptoms

�Classify the laboratory test

�Describe ways to treat and prevent hypokalemia



� Hypokalemia is a metabolic disor der brought on by potassium deficiency, in which the potassium level in

the patient's blood is low.

� Potassium is needed for cells, especially nerve and

muscle cells, to function properly. You get potassiumthrough food. The kidneys remove excess potassium in

the urine to keep a proper balance of the mineral in the

body.

� Normal serum potassium levels are between 3.5 to 5.0

mEq/L; at least 95% of the body's potassium is found

inside cells, with the remainder in the blood. This

concentration gradient is maintained principally by the

[[Na+/K +-ATPase]] pump.



Etiology Hypokalemia is not commonly caused by poor dietary

intake.

Excessive loss is the most common reason that

potassium levels are low. Loss of potassium may occur

from both the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and from the

kidney.

Potassium loss from the intestines may be caused by:

� Vomiting

� Diarrhea

� Ileostomy: In some patients who have had bowel

surgery and an ileotomy formed, significant potassium

loss can occur.



Low potassium levels may result from side effects of

some medications:

� Aminoglycosides like gentamicin (Garamycin) or

tobramycin (Nebcin)

� Amphotericin B

� Prednisone



A small drop in potassium usually doesn't cause

symptoms. However, a big drop in the level can be life

threatening. Mild hypokalemia usually has no symptoms, although it may

cause a small elevation of blood pressure, and can occasionally provoke car diac arrhythmias.

Moderate hypokalemia symptoms may include with serum potassium concentrations of 2.5-3 mEq/L, :

� Muscle weak ness�

Constipation� Thirst� Fatigue� Cramps during exercise� Leg discomfort when sitting still



Severe hypokalemia symptoms may include:

�Extreme weak ness

�Trouble breathing

� Paralysis

�Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)



Laboratory Studies

� Serum potassium level <3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L)7

� BU N is often done to check kidney function.

� Creatinine level test is done to evaluate kidneyfunction. Creatinine is removed from the body entirely

by the kidneys. If kidney function is abnormal,creatinine levels will increase in the blood (becauseless creatinine is released through your urine).

� Arterial blood gas (ABG): test also providesinformation about the body's acid/base balance, whichcan reveal important clues about lung and kidneyfunction and the body's general metabolic state.



� ECG is used to measure how fast your heart is beating

and whether it is beating normally. Abnormal ECGresults may be a sign of abnormal heart rhythms

(arrhythmias)etc..

� Blood tests to check glucose, magnesium, calcium,

sodium, phosphorous, thyroxine, and aldosterone

levels



� The most important step in severe hypokalemia is removingthe cause, such as treating diarrhea or stopping offendingmedication.

� Mild hypokalemia (>3.0 mmol/L) may be treated with oral potassium chloride supplements. As this is often part of a

poor nutritional intake, potassium-containing foods may berecommended, such as tomatoes, oranges or bananas.

� Severe hypokalemia (<3.0 mmol/L) may requireintravenous supplementation. Typically, saline is used, with20-40 mmol KCl per liter over 3-4 hours. Givingintravenous potassium at faster rates may predispose to

ventricular tachycar dias and requires intensive monitoring.� Difficult or resistant cases of hypokalemia may be amenable

to amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or spironolactone.



A major method of help in preventing hypokalemia is

by maintaining a diet with potassium rich foods.

� Bananas

� Bran

� Brussels sprouts

� Granola� Kiwi

� Lima beans

� Milk

� Oranges

� Peaches

� Peanut butter

� Peas and beans

� Tomatoes

7 - Hypo Kale Mia - Yap, Nivera

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