Question 1

what's the formula for corrected potassium level on a dka patient?

Accepted Answer

Fluids: Fluids and correcting the DKA which will correct the glucose level over time which will drive the potassium into the cells and lower it. Elevated glucose pulls potassium out of the cells and makes it look high.

Question 2

as a general rule, is 99mg of potassium once daily enough to correct a deficiency level of 3.2? and can this level cause shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

As a general Rule: As a general rule it is much better to find the cause of the low potassium and to correct the cause rather than just give you potassium replacement.

Question 3

what raises potassium levels ?

Accepted Answer

Foods or salt subst: There are plenty of high potassium containing fruits & vegetables like bananas or spinach. Potassium salt substitute is another way to raise level.

Question 4

is 5.6 level of potassium risky?

Accepted Answer

Yes: High potassium levels cause the haert to become flaccid. See you doctor immediately.

Question 5

what are normal potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

3.6-5 meq/L: Milliequivalent per liter or millimol/liter (mmol/l). If you live outside the us in a country that uses milligram/dl the number will be different. You need to know your potassium since it is very important if you have kidney disease.

Question 6

what can cause high levels of potassium?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia: Because the kidneys are able to excrete potassium well, high potassium level in the blood is rare in patients with normal kidney function.  High blood potassium level can result in patients with reduced kidney function in certain settings (excessive potassium intake, cell/tissue death, or shift of potassium from intracelluar to extracellular compartment).

Question 7

how can  one lower his potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Eat less potassium: In food or by taking a diuretic to lose potassium via your kidneys. Also Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) is a medication that allows you to waste more potassium via your bowels.

Question 8

what help me to lower my potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Nephrologist: Potassium balance is tightly regulated by the kidneys, so any potassium disorder implies some derangement in potassium handling. If you have high or low potassium problems, you must consult nephrologist. 
Please see this website for info on low potassium diet.
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/potassium.cfm.

Question 9

what to do to increase my potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Prescription only: Over the counter potassium pills are very weak to make a dent in significantly low potassium. Only prescriptions are effective and need to be followed with blood testing to prevent under or overdosing - both are dangerous. Potassium rich diet is also weak. It includes potatoes, tomato sauce/paste, bananas, oranges, and squash. There are meds that make you retain potassium from being lost in urine.

Question 10

what are the causes of high levels of potassium?

Accepted Answer

INPUT-OUTPUT : High levels of potassium can occur due to increased intake of high potassium containing foods, nutritional supplements etc 2. Changes in acid base balance in the body 3. Decreased excretion of the potassium by the kidneys. Most often, it is a combination of 2 or more causes.Very frequently, kidney is always one of the culprits.If you have this problem, please consult md.

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Doctor answers about:

Correct potassium levels

A member asked:

What's the formula for corrected potassium level on a dka patient?

A member asked:

As a general rule, is 99mg of potassium once daily enough to correct a deficiency level of 3.2? and can this level cause shortness of breath?

A member asked:

What raises potassium levels ?

A member asked:

Is 5.6 level of potassium risky?

A member asked:

What are normal potassium levels?

A member asked:

What can cause high levels of potassium?

A member asked:

How can one lower his potassium levels?

A member asked:

What help me to lower my potassium levels?

A member asked:

What to do to increase my potassium levels?

A member asked:

What are the causes of high levels of potassium?

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