Treatment and Pathogenesis of Hyperkalemia †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Treatment and Pathogenesis of Hyperkalemia. Answer: Introduction: The common causes of hyperkalemia are: kidney dysfunction, a shift of potassium out of the cells into the blood, and excessive intake of potassium supplements ( Mushiyakh et al., 2012). Mushiyakh et al.(2012) state that kidneys excrete potassium, and conditions such as chronic renal failure, can cause impairment of the kidney functions leading to hyperkalemia. When the functions of the kidney are impaired, the potassium ions excreted in the urine are reduced. The reduction in the amounts of potassium ions is caused by a decreasing rate of glomerular infiltration. When the rate of glomerular infiltration reduces, the ability of the body to regulate potassium ions is weakened. When there is decreased excretion of potassium ions, there is a potential influx of potassium ions in the body leading to a risk of hyperkalemia ( Mushiyakh et al., 2012). According to Elliot, Ronksley, Clase, Ahmed Hemmelgarn (2010), in the department of emergency, continuous monitoring of the electrocardiograph is performed. Potassium levels should also be measured at intervals of two hours. In case the patient is on potassium drugs, discontinuation should be done immediately. If the hyperkalemia is severe, treatment should commence before investigating the underlying cause. Treatment is personalized depending on the levels of potassium, the patient's presentation of the disease, and the findings of the electrocardiograph. For instance, patients with moderate hyperkalemia may require only the secretion of potassium ions to be enhanced (Elliot, Ronksley, Clase, Ahmed Hemmelgarn, 2010). Explicit loss of potassium ions can only be accomplished by dialysis, cations exchange resins or increasing the renal excretion. Over correction of potassium amounts should also be monitored. Hyperkalemia patients need close and individualized monitoring since hyperkalemia is manifested differently in each patient. Some patients are symptomatic; others are asymptomatic, others present mild hyperkalemia, while others have severe hyperkalemia (Elliot, Ronksley, Clase, Ahmed Hemmelgarn, 2010). References Elliott, M., Ronksley, P., Clase, C., Ahmed, S., Hemmelgarn, B. (2010). Management of patients with acute hyperkalemia.Canadian Medical Association Journal,182(15), 1631-1635. https://dx.doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.100461 Mushiyakh, Y., Dangaria, H., Qavi, S., Ali, N., Pannone, J., Tompkins, D. (2012). Treatment and pathogenesis of acute hyperkalemia.Journal Of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives,1(4), 7372. https://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v1i4.7372