6 Tweets 1 reads Jul 29, 2024
2/ The WHAT and WHY:
- Hypokalemia is:
🍌 K < 3.5
🍌Observational data: low K levels are associated with higher rates of ventricular arrhythmias (especially if underlying cardiac disease)
For more nuances, 🎧 to our #5Pearls episode from last year ⤵️
coreimpodcast.com
3/ The HOW:
🍌 If mild, asx, & tolerating PO ➡️
can encourage K rich foods
🍌 If tolerating PO ➡️replete PO
- KCl if undergoing diuresis +
metabolic alk
- K citrate if kidney stones
(citrate chelates calcium!)
- Kphos if ⬇️ phos
4/ The HOW (cont.):
🍌 If not tolerating PO ➡️ replete IV
- KCl @ usually 10mEq/hour
- Faster if needed, but monitor on
tele (check 🏥 protocol)
- Keep in mind, IV KCl burns @ IV
site
Don’t JUST replete, treat the underlying cause!
5/ Medications can commonly cause hypokalemia:
🍌 Penicillin (antibiotics)
🍌 Pee (diuretics)
🍌 PPI
🍌 Poop (laxatives)
🍌 Prednisone (steroids)

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