When pH drops, K+ is pumped out of the cell in exchange for H+ because the body is trying to neutralize the acid. This excess K+ then goes into the urine and is removed in copious amounts due to the osmotic diuresis caused by the high blood glucose levels. The α-intercalated cells in the renal tubule that normally recovers K+ are overwhelmed by the high amounts of both K+ & H+.
If the serum K+ is LOW, it will means the patient is very ill, act quickly!
When you treat them, if you give insulin before fixing the K+ it can cause a massive movement of K+ back into cell and result in hypokalemia. Please refer to your institution’s guidelines for when to treat K+ during DKA.
REFERENCES
Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…
ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…
Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…
Although rare, the differential diagnosis of hypoventilation and hypercapnia respiratory failure includes hypothyroidism. It is…
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone created in response to cardiac wall stretch due…
A common finding described on computed tomography (CT) imaging. A disease with a peribronchovascular distribution…
This website uses cookies.