HYPOKALEMIA

1. Etiology

1.1. abnormal losses

1.1.1. medications

1.1.1.1. diuretics

1.1.1.2. laxatives and enemas

1.1.1.3. corticosteroids

1.1.2. gastrointestinal losses

1.1.3. renal losses

1.1.3.1. osmotic diuresis

1.1.3.2. mineralocorticoid excess

1.1.3.3. types I and II renal tubular acidosis

1.1.3.4. polydipsia

1.1.3.5. intrinsic renal transport defects

1.1.4. hypomagnesemia

1.1.5. dialysis/plasmapheresis

1.2. inadequate intake

1.2.1. anorexia

1.2.2. dementia

1.2.3. starvation

1.2.4. total parenteral nutrition

1.3. transcellular shifts

1.3.1. medications

1.3.2. alkalosis

1.3.3. refeeding syndrome

1.3.4. increased beta2 adrenergic stimulation

1.3.5. thyrotoxicosis

1.3.6. familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis

1.3.7. hypothermia

2. How to use this template

3. Symptoms

3.1. muscle cramps

3.2. weakness

3.3. fatigue

3.4. constipation

3.5. arrythmias

3.6. excessive thirst

3.7. excessive urination

4. Diagnostics

4.1. serum electrolytes

4.2. ABG with electrolytes

4.3. urine electrolytes

4.4. ECG to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm

4.5. physical exam to screen for muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, palpitations, and GI issues

5. complications

5.1. respiratory failure

5.2. paralysis

5.3. cardiac arrest

6. Treatment

6.1. oral potassium

6.2. IV potassium

6.3. dietary modifications

6.4. magnesium supplements