Hypokalemia Consults
While you will see more consults for hyperkalemia on the nephrology consult service, you will also sometimes be asked to assist with managing hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia can result from various conditions, including iatrogenic renal potassium loss (such as loop diuretic use), high stool output, renal tubular acidosis, endocrinopathies, and less common genetic conditions leading to kidney potassium wasting.
It is important to correct hypokalemia, as low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias as well as make therapies (i.e. diuretics) less effective.
Deranged Physiology:
Renal handling of potassium
by Alex Yartsev
First, let’s review the physiology of potassium handling in the kidney.
The following chapter on Deranged Physiology will walk you through renal potassium handling.
Shockingly Dangerous Hypokalemia
by Christopher Cardillo & Ross Ellison
This emergency medicine educational site is a nice reference for expected EKG findings in hypokalemia, as well as a brief overview of causes and management.
Run the List
Episode 91: Hypokalemia
This podcast (from the series Run the List) provides an overview of mechanisms and presentation of hypokalemia, and some strategies for workup, management and repletion.
Hoofbeats: A 36F with weakness
by John Hwang, Cindy Fang, Neha Sathe and Michael Janjigian
This CoreIM podcast reviews a rare cause of hypokalemia, while also reviewing diagnostic reasoning on the topic.
NephSim - Case 45
Now try testing your knowledge and understanding of hypokalemia through the following case.
Regulation of Potassium Homeostasis
by Biff F. Palmer
If you would like a more detailed review, the following article by Biff Palmer is an in-depth overview of potassium homeostasis.