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Is Serum Potassium Level Of 5.4 A Cause For Concern?
A male patient was admitted for palpitations. His serum potassium level on admission is 5.4. Yesterday he ate two eggs, bacon and toast for breakfast. Lunch he had halibut, baked potatoes, salad and spinach. He uses a salt substitute regularly. He tells nurse that he has been taking spironalctone 50 mg for htn for 2 months, but missed his 1 month follow up appointment. This pt states that has had abdominal cramping and several very loose diarrhea stools since yesterday. The doctor orders Kayexalate retention enema to be given stat. Can you explain why this was necessary?
Fri, 29 Mar 2019
Hello,
4.5 to 5.5 is considered normal. You can check the serum electrolytes after a week for reassessment.
If the potassium is persistently high, you can take drugs like kbinder to lower down the potassium level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
4.5 to 5.5 is considered normal. You can check the serum electrolytes after a week for reassessment.
If the potassium is persistently high, you can take drugs like kbinder to lower down the potassium level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
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