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Slow and Safe Potassium Repletion
- Replete potassium slowly due to large intracellular deficits despite low serum levels.
- Prefer oral potassium when possible as it is safer and easier to administer than IV potassium.
ECG and Symptoms in Hypokalemia
- ECG changes of hypokalemia include T wave flattening, inversion, prominent U waves, and QT prolongation.
- Severe hypokalemia (<2.5) can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias like torsades, and respiratory failure.
Check Magnesium and History First
- Always check magnesium levels and correct hypomagnesemia to effectively treat hypokalemia.
- Review patient history and medications to identify cause; extensive testing often unnecessary in ICU.