Hypokalemia resident survival guide
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Definition
Hypokalemia is defined as plasma potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.
Common Causes
Management
Potassium < 3.5 mEq/L | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increased urinary loss measure spot urine potassium | Redistribution defects Elevated glucose Insulin excess alkalosis Periodic paralysis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Spot Urine K < 10 GI losses Biliary losses Laxative abuse Intestinal fistula | Spot urine K > 20 Renal causes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elevated BP High Aldosterone | Normal BP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Plasma renin | Plasma bicarbonate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Low Renin Primary Hyperaldosteronism | High Renin Secondary Hyperaldosteronism | Low Bicarbonate RTA 1 RTA 2 | Low Bicarbonate measure urine chloride | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Metabolic alkalosis Vomiting | Diuretics Bartters syndrome | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||