Hypokalemia
Elevator thoughts:
- Diuretic use?
- Diarrhea, vomiting?
- Nasogastric suction?
- Use of beta-2 agonists?
Database:
- Vitals- irregular pulse (PAC/PVC); digitalis toxicity.
- Abdomen- ileus; cause of vomiting.
- Neuro- weakness; paralysis; blunted reflexes.
Therapy:
- If K < 3.0 give 10-15 cc KCl iv over 1 hour times 3-4 runs. Recheck when done.
- If K > 3.0, and the patient is asymptomatic, oral supplementation with KCl 40-120 meq/day in divided doses (depending on degree of hypokalemia) will suffice.
- If hypokalemia is persistent, consider maintenance replacement with KCl 20-80 meq daily.