Master the board step 3

Nephrology
EKG-Normal Intervals
Treatment
Therapy is to replace potassium. There is no maximum rate on oral potassium
replacement; the bowel will regulate the rate of absorption.
Avoid glucose-containing fluids in cases of hypokalemia. They will increase
insulin release and worsen the hypokalemia.
In hypokalemia cases, IV
potassium replacement
must be slow so as not to
cause an arrhythmia with
overly rapid administration.
Magnesium Disorders
Hypermagnesemia
Hypermagnesemia is caused by the overuse of magnesium-containing laxatives
or from iatrogenic administration, such as during premature labor when
it is administered as a tocolytic. It is rare to have hypermagnesemia without
renal insufficiency. Hypermagnesemia leads to muscular weakness and loss
of deep tendon reflexes.
Treat hypermagnesemia as follows:
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Restricting intake
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Saline administration to provoke diuresis
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Occasionally dialysis
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