Q: what should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

Unclear: Serum potassium normals are 3.5 to 5.2, depending on the lab methodology. Levels of over 6 and under 3 will both cause serious consequences; see your doctor for further evaluation if you have abnormal lab values.

Q: could persistent potassium levels below 3.5 but above 3.0 cause symptoms of hypokalaemia? seems odd to have a reference range starting at 3.5 but to tell patients 3.2 isn't "low enough" to cause symptoms. thanks?

: Yes. The first issue is your blood being drawn correctly to prevent false increases in your blood K so that your true blood K is being measured. Be sure they draw blood for K after the tourniquet has been released and minimize fist clenching. I have many patients who say they have symptoms of low K at the levels you cite. Go to hyperaldosteroism@groups.io and learn more.

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

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.

Q: do doctors always give patients potassium-sparing drugs if the patient has low potassium levels?

Potassium: Always is probably too strong a word, but it is advisable. If that cannot be helped, then a potassium supplement should usually be prescribed as well.

Q: what is a reason that patients may need to limit potassium intake, and what is a reason they may need to have a high potassium diet?

Nephrologist: One limits potassium intake when there is deficient handling of the potassium by the kidneys as in kidney failure.One increases potassium intake when the losses exceeds intake as in diuretic use, diarrhea etc.It is best to discuss with nephrologist about the potassium problems.

Q: my friend has an elevated white blood count and low potassium, plus tingling in her body from her cheeks to her feet..also burning in her feet. ?

Time to see doctor: With the number of issues you described, especially low potassium, it is imperative to consult a doctor. The issue is too involved for this forum.

Q: does losartan + hydrochlorothiazide combination increase s. potassium level? what might be it's alternative for a dm, htn, ckd & psoriasis patient?

Depends on Ckd : Losartan may rise potassium and HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) may lower it. Because of opposing effects potassium may stay stable/ normal. But net effect depends on degree of CKD. Potassium may be higher in advanced CKD.

Question 1

how does hyperventilation help lower k+ in a patient with high potassium level?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis, shift: Hyperventilation causes low carbondioxide levels causing resp alkalosis.Alkalosis drives the potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular compartment which results in low potassium in the blood.

Question 2

how do i decrease my potassium levels. renal and heart patient, am following a low potassium diet from dietician but potassium levels are stilll high?

Accepted Answer

Low potassium: Magnesium deficiency can cause low potassium, so I recommend taking a magnesium supplement containing 3 different forms of magnesium. You might also consider taking a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide as long as it doesn't make your renal function worse. Lasix would be better if you also have any evidence of CHF. Both drugs lower potassium.

Question 3

do dialysis patients usually have high potassium?

Accepted Answer

Dialysis Potassium: Yes, it is very common for dialysis patients to develop elevated potassium levels.  The kidneys normally excrete potassium, so patients with renal failure will have a tendency for their potassium levels to rise.  The dialysis machine removes excess potassium from the body, just like the kidneys do.  Taking a diet low in potassium is helpful in keeping potassium levels controlled.

Question 4

what should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

Accepted Answer

Unclear: Serum potassium normals are 3.5 to 5.2, depending on the lab methodology. 
Levels of over 6 and under 3 will both cause serious consequences; see your doctor for further evaluation if you have abnormal lab values.

Question 5

could persistent potassium levels below 3.5 but above 3.0 cause symptoms of hypokalaemia? seems odd to have a reference range starting at 3.5 but to tell patients 3.2 isn't "low enough" to cause symptoms. thanks?

Accepted Answer

: Yes.  The first issue is your blood being drawn correctly to prevent false increases in your blood K so that your true blood K is being measured.  Be sure they draw blood for K after the tourniquet has been released and minimize fist clenching. I have many patients who say they have symptoms of low K at the levels you cite. Go to hyperaldosteroism@groups.io and learn more.

Question 6

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 7

do doctors always give patients potassium-sparing drugs if the patient has low potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Potassium: Always is probably too strong a word, but it is advisable. If that cannot be helped, then a potassium supplement should usually be prescribed as well.

Question 8

what is a reason that patients may need to limit potassium intake, and what is a reason they may need to have a high potassium diet?

Accepted Answer

Nephrologist: One limits potassium intake when there is deficient handling of the potassium by the kidneys as in kidney failure.One increases potassium intake when the losses exceeds intake as in diuretic use, diarrhea etc.It is best to discuss with nephrologist about the potassium problems.

Question 9

my friend has an elevated white blood count and low potassium, plus tingling in her body from her cheeks to her feet..also burning in her feet.  ?

Accepted Answer

Time to see doctor: With the number of issues you described, especially low potassium, it is imperative to consult a doctor. The issue is too involved for this forum.

Question 10

does losartan + hydrochlorothiazide combination increase s. potassium level? what might be it's alternative for a dm, htn, ckd & psoriasis patient?

Accepted Answer

Depends on Ckd : Losartan may rise potassium and HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) may lower it. Because of opposing effects potassium may stay stable/ normal. But net effect depends on degree of CKD. Potassium may be higher in advanced CKD.

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Doctor answers about:

Why high levels of potassium in burn patients

A member asked:

How does hyperventilation help lower k+ in a patient with high potassium level?

A member asked:

How do i decrease my potassium levels. renal and heart patient, am following a low potassium diet from dietician but potassium levels are stilll high?

A member asked:

Do dialysis patients usually have high potassium?

A member asked:

What should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

A member asked:

Could persistent potassium levels below 3.5 but above 3.0 cause symptoms of hypokalaemia? seems odd to have a reference range starting at 3.5 but to tell patients 3.2 isn't "low enough" to cause symptoms. thanks?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Do doctors always give patients potassium-sparing drugs if the patient has low potassium levels?

A member asked:

What is a reason that patients may need to limit potassium intake, and what is a reason they may need to have a high potassium diet?

A member asked:

My friend has an elevated white blood count and low potassium, plus tingling in her body from her cheeks to her feet..also burning in her feet. ?

A member asked:

Does losartan + hydrochlorothiazide combination increase s. potassium level? what might be it's alternative for a dm, htn, ckd & psoriasis patient?

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