HYPERKALEMIA
Ask the Following Questions:
- Is there hemolysis in the test tube? This is just one of the spurious causes of hyperkalemia. Leucocytosis, thrombocytosis, and the use of an excessively tight tourniquet to draw blood may also be the cause.
- What is the BUN? An increased potassium is most often due to renal failure, especially acute renal failure. Hyperkalemia can occur in some renal diseases even without an elevated BUN.
- What is the plasma cortisol? Hyperkalemia with a low plasma cortisol suggests Addison's disease is the cause. Adrenogenital syndrome and chronic renal disease may be associated with a defect in aldosterone synthesis causing the same picture.
- What is the bicarbonate level? Metabolic acidosis, especially diabetic acidosis, is often associated with hyperkalemia.
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
Additional tests to order include a CBC, urinalysis, chemistry panel, serial electrolytes, plasma cortisol, plasma renin, 24-hr urine aldosterone, renal function tests, and endocrinology and nephrology consults. As a precaution, it may be wise to hold all unnecessary drugs until the diagnosis is certain.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
- Year of Publication: 2003
- Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Hyperkalemia
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Hyperkalemia:
Medical Books Excerpts
- Hyperkalemia
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Hyperkalemia
» Next page: Hyperkalemia (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
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