- See: -
Signs & Symptoms : -
Potassium Supp; -
Diff Dx: - Management: - hypokalemia assoc w Met Alkalosis is treated w/ Chloride;
- Moderate Hypokalemia: (Serum K+ < 3.0 mmol/L) - may see PAC's but no (or infrequent) PVC's & no
digoxin toxicity; - potassium supplementation: - Slow K = 8 mmol KCl; - Kay Ciel Elixer = 20 mmol/15 ml; - K-Lyte = 25 mmol/packet; - IV replacement therapy in this situation is reserved for patients w/ marked
hypoK or pts who are unable to take oral supplements;
- w/ Severe Hypokalemia: < 3.0; - w/ PVC's in the setting of Myocardial ischemia, or with
digoxin toxicity; -
EKG Monitoring; - IV therapy: - 10 mmol KCl in 100 ml D5W given IV over 1hr x 3; - repeat once or twice as needed; - KCl in small volumes is given thru central IV lines, as these high concentrations of potassium are sclerosing to peripheral veins; - further maintenance therapy, containing up to 40-60 mmol KCl/L of IV fluid at a maximum rate of 20 mmol/L; - KCl may also be given by the administration of liquid salt by NG tube or by PO supplementation; - IV < 60mEq/l; 40/hr; or 40mEq KCl PO q6hr x 2-3 doses; - 10mEq/100ml D5W; - Recheck serum KCl concentration after each 20-30 mmol IV KCl is given;
