2. POTASSIUM
ROLE OF POTASSIUM :
Potassium is an electrolyte which have many
physiological functions in our cells,including protein
and glycoen synthesis and cellular metabolism and
growth.
It is also the determinant of electrical action potential
acoss the cell membrane.
helps our cells uptake nutrients and water
helps in the contraction of our muscles
helps our neves carry message b/w the brain and the
body
balance our body fluids and regulates blood pressure.
intacellular K 98% and extaellular K 2%
3. HYPOKALEMIA
Decrease level of potassium in blood stream.
It is defined as the serum potassium concentration < 3.5mEq/L(mmol/L)
CATEGORIES:
Mild (3.1-3.5mEq/L)
Moderate (2.5-3mEq/L)
Severe (less than 2.5 mEq/L)
8. Potassium Replacement Formula
Hypokalemia is found in many ICU and emergency patients. In order to know how many millimoles are
required to restore the normal level of potassium, we use the following potassium replacement formula.
K deficit (mmol/L) = (k normal – k measured) x BW x 0.4
Data:
Age:40 yrs
Wt:70kg
Normal K= 3.5-5.1mEq/L
PT measured K= 2.9 mEq/L
K deficit = 16.8 mmol/L
Daily requirement of potassium = Weight of patient in Kg x 1
Total K deficit =K deficit + total daily requirment
Total K deficit = 16.5mmol/L+70kg=86.5mmol/L
9. TREATMENT OF HYPOKALEMIA
General approach to therapy ( to treat the underline cause)
Non-pharmacological therapy (give K rich fruits & vegetables)
Pharmacological theapy (Managment ,IV & Oral replacement )
alternative therapies (K sparing diuretics)
10. DOSE OF KCL IN HYPOKALEMIA
Drug Category Route Dose Max dose
KCL
Mild-Moderate
Oral
IV
10 to 20 mEq 2
to 4 times daily
20 to 60 mEq
40 mEq (single dose)
10 to 20 mEq/hr
max infusion rate 10 to 20
mEq/hour
KCL Severe
Serum potassium
2.5 to 3 mEq/L
Oral(monotherapy or
adjunctive with IV)
IV
40 mEq 3 to 4
times daily or 20
mEq every 2 to 3
hours
10 to 20
mEq/hour
maximum infusion rate: 20
mEq/hour
max infusion rate: 20 mEq/hour
with continuous ECG monitoring
11. DOSE OF KCL IN HYPOKALEMIA
Drug Category Route Dose Max dose
KCL Serum potassium <2.5 mEq/L
or life-threatening hypokalemia
(not for emergency treatment of
cardiac arrest
IV 10 to 40 mEq/hour maximum infusion
rate (central line
only): 40 mEq/hour
with continuous
ECG monitoring
12. Hyperkalemia
Increased serum potassium in blood
Categories
Mild (5.1-5.9mmol/L)
Moderate (6-7mmol/L)
Severe (>7mEq/L)
13. ETIOLOGY & PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
Causes:
hyperkalemia associated with increased K intake
hyperkalemmia associated with decreased renal potassium excretion
tubular unresponsiveness to aldosterone
