Hyperkalemia
- Determination of the serum K is especially useful in the evaluation of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Infusions of mineral acids result in elevated serum K levels because of the shift in K+ out of cells in exchange for H+ entry. Thus, hyperalimentation, NH4 Cl, CaCl2 ingestion, and Cholestyramine administration, all cause a hyperkalemic Non Anion Gap Acidosis. In addition, hypoadosteronism results in a defect in K+ excretion, leading to Hyperkalemia.
- Hyperchloremic acidosis associated w/ hypokalemia:
- Gastrointestinal HCO3 losing entities, including Diarrhea, pancreatic drainage, biliary drainage, uterosigmoidostomy, or obstructed ileal loop, distal RTA (I), and proximal RTA (II).