Disorders of Potassium Balance – Post Test

The local general practice (GP) surgery has urgently sent a 24 year old who is a fit and well patient to your emergency department (ED).

He had routine blood tests conducted as part of his medical screening at work and his potassium was reported as 5.8 mmol/l.

An electrocardiograph (ECG) is performed and is normal.

The urgent urea and electrolytes (U&E) returns as Na 137; K 4.5; creatinine 100; bicarbonate 26 mmol/l.

You suspect spurious (pseudo) hyperkalaemia.

Which of the following conditions DOES NOT cause this scenario?

You call an anaesthetist to the resuscitation area to intubate an unconscious patient who has been lying for some time in an alleyway.

He has rhabdomyolysis and his renal function is Na 136; K 7.2; creatinine 235.

Which of the following drugs are going to be used during the immediate management, including rapid sequence intubation (RSI), of this patient?

Which of the following statements regarding potassium homoeostasis and its regulation is correct?

Hypokalaemia is associated with a tenfold increase in mortality in hospital. Therefore, it is essential that potassium balance is closely monitored in this group.

Which of the following conditions IS NOT associated with hypokalaemia?

Which of the following are organ specific effects of hypokalaemia in patients?

ECG changes are seen in hypokalaemia.

Which of the following statements regarding the possible changes are true?

A patient arrives in the majors area of your department.

All his blood tests are normal aside from a potassium of 2.8 mmol/l. This is correct when rechecked.

Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of hypokalaemia in a patient is true?

Which one of the following drugs IS NOT commonly associated with hyperkalaemia?

The following agents are used in the treatment of hyperkalaemia.

Which one is correctly matched with the supposed mechanism of action?