Rish Academy

Causes of Hyperkalemia

Newsletter Remembering Hyperkalemia: An Essential Mnemonic for Medical Professionals Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the bloodstream. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias and even life-threatening situations. As medical professionals, it is crucial to remember the key aspects of hyperkalemia for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. One effective way to aid memorization is through mnemonics – memory aids that use acronyms or phrases to recall information easily. In this blog article, we will present a comprehensive hyperkalemia mnemonic to help healthcare practitioners quickly recognize and respond to this critical condition. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get LIFETIME Access to 570+ Medical Presenations The Hyperkalemia Mnemonic: “POTASSIUM” “POTASSIUM” is an easy-to-remember mnemonic that will guide you through the essential aspects of hyperkalemia. Each letter represents a critical aspect or cause of hyperkalemia that will help you remember the condition more effectively. Let’s break it down: P – Potassium-rich Diet: Hyperkalemia can occur due to excessive consumption of potassium-rich foods or supplements. Patients with kidney problems or those taking certain medications may be at higher risk. Remember to inquire about dietary habits and supplements when evaluating hyperkalemia. O – Overdose of Potassium Supplements: Excessive intake of potassium supplements can lead to a sudden spike in potassium levels. Always ask about over-the-counter medications or prescribed supplements to identify potential sources of increased potassium. T – Type I Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA): Type I RTA is a condition where the kidneys cannot effectively excrete acid, leading to metabolic acidosis. This acidosis can cause potassium to shift from cells into the bloodstream, contributing to hyperkalemia. A – Adrenal Insufficiency: In adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is responsible for regulating potassium levels in the blood. With low aldosterone levels, potassium excretion is reduced, leading to hyperkalemia. S – Spironolactone and other potassium-sparing diuretics: Certain diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, and triamterene, can reduce potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Keep in mind the patient’s medication history, as it is vital in diagnosing hyperkalemia. S – Shift of Potassium from Intracellular to Extracellular: Various conditions, like acidosis, insulin deficiency (as seen in uncontrolled diabetes), and tissue damage (e.g., rhabdomyolysis), can cause potassium to move from inside cells to the extracellular space, resulting in hyperkalemia. I – Insulin Deficiency and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose and potassium into cells. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or uncontrolled diabetes, insulin deficiency leads to impaired cellular uptake of potassium, causing hyperkalemia. U – Uremia: Hyperkalemia is commonly seen in patients with kidney dysfunction or end-stage renal disease due to reduced potassium excretion. Monitor potassium levels regularly in patients with kidney problems. M – Medications (ACE Inhibitors, NSAIDs, and more): Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can interfere with renal potassium excretion and contribute to hyperkalemia. Download our Medical MNEMONICS eBook Conclusion Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and management. The “POTASSIUM” mnemonic provides an effective memory aid for medical professionals to quickly recall the key aspects and causes of hyperkalemia. By using this mnemonic during patient evaluations, you can ensure early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, thus preventing complications and potentially saving lives. Always remember to follow institutional guidelines and consult with specialists as needed, but let “POTASSIUM” be your valuable companion in managing hyperkalemia efficiently and effectively. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations Share this : Related Articles Hypokalemia ECG/EKG Newsletter Hypokalemia ECG/EKG ECG changes in hypokalaemia (K < 2.7… Read More Supra-Ventricular Tachy-Arrhythmias Newsletter Supra-ventricular Tachy-Arrhythmias Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Acute Asthma Newsletter Acute Asthma Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus Newsletter Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus An epileptic seizure is a… Read More Shock Newsletter Shock Shock is the term used to describe acute… Read More Emergency Assessment Newsletter Emergency Assessment Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Pulmonary Embolism Newsletter Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most… Read More Hyperkalemia Mnemonic Newsletter Hyperkalemia Mnemonic Mnemonic for Hyperkalemia It can be a… Read More Sepsis & Septic Shock Newsletter Sepsis & Septic shock Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction… Read More Heart Block Poem Newsletter Heart Block Poem Heart Block Poem: 1st, 2nd, 3rd… Read More  Opioid  Poisoning Newsletter Opioid Poisoning Previous image Next image Click the button… Read More Thyrotoxic Crisis Newsletter Thyrotoxic Crisis Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More ABC Nursing – Airway, Breathing, Circulation Newsletter ABC in Nursing – Assessment & Priority ABC in… Read More Spontaneous Pneumothorax Newsletter Spontaneous Pneumothorax ‘Pneumothorax’ means the air in the pleural… Read More Paracetamol Poisoning Newsletter Paracetamol Poisoning Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Load More Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Read More

Hyperkalemia Mnemonic

Newsletter Hyperkalemia Mnemonic Mnemonic for Hyperkalemia It can be a little difficult to remember everything about Hyperkalemia. In this article, we have stated some Mnemonics which are popular and useful mnemonics to remember some important theories related to Hyperkalemia. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get LIFETIME Access to 570+ Medical Presenations Causes of Hyperkalemia Mnemonic – MACHINE M – Medications – ACE Inhibitors, NSAIDS, potassium-sparing diuretics A – Acidosis – Metabolic and respiratory C – Aellular destruction – burns, traumatic injury, hemolysis H – Hypoaldosteronism –  Addison’s I – Intake – Excessive intake N – Nephrons – Renal failure E – Excretion – Impaired Excretion Download our Medical MNEMONICS eBook Causes of Hyperkalemia Mnemonic – MOTHER M – Metabolic acidosis, Medications (ACE-Inhibtors, Beta blockers) O – Overestimated potassium (Pseudohyperkalemia), Over tissue catabolism, Overdose of Digitalis T – Tumor Lysis Syndrome, Trauma H – Hypoaldosteronism, Hemolysis E – Excessive Intake R – Renal failure, Rhabdonlyolysis Drugs causing Hyperkalemia mnemonic – THANKS Cycle T – Trimethoprim H – Heparin A – ACE Inhibitors/ARBs N – NSAIDs K – K+ Sparing Diuretics S – Succinylcholine  Cycle – Cyclosporin   Hyperkalemia signs & symptoms mnemonic – MURDER M – Muscle weakness U – Urin output reduces(Renal failure) R – Respiratory failure D – Decreased cardiac contractility E – Early muscle twitches / cramps R – Rythm changes (Tall T waves in ECG) Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations Hyperkalemia ECG changes mnemonic – TPRSA T – Tall Tented T waves P – P wave widening/ Flatting & PR Prolongation R – QRS complex widening S – Sine wave pattern A – Asystole Hypokalaemia: T wave inversion and prominent U waves Hyperkalemia Treatment mnemonic – C BIG K DROP C – Calcium: Calcium gluconate (10%) 10 mL IV over 10 min. Calcium is a – cardiac stabilizer. B – Beta agonists: Salbutamol 10 – 20 mg in 4 mL normal saline nebulized over 10 min      or      Bicarbonate: sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (50 mEq) 1 ampoule IV over 5 minutes I – Insulin: Short acting Insulin 10 units IV push G – Glucose: D50W 1 ampoule IV over 5 minute given with insulin. Insulin causes – temporary intracellular shift and glucose is given to maintain blood glucose levels. K – Kayexalate: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate 15-30 g in 15-30 mL (70% sorbitol). Kayexalate may facilitate – gastrointestinal removal. D – Diuretics: Furosemide 40-80 mg IV push. This facilitates – renal removal. ROP –  “Renal unit for dialysis Of Patient” Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations Share this : Related Articles Hypocalcemia Mnemonic Newsletter Hypocalcemia Mnemonic Mnemonics in Hypocalcemia It can be a… Read More Shock Newsletter Shock Shock is the term used to describe acute… Read More Thyrotoxic Crisis Newsletter Thyrotoxic Crisis Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Sepsis & Septic Shock Newsletter Sepsis & Septic shock Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction… Read More ABC Nursing – Airway, Breathing, Circulation Newsletter ABC in Nursing – Assessment & Priority ABC in… Read More Paracetamol Poisoning Newsletter Paracetamol Poisoning Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Emergency Assessment Newsletter Emergency Assessment Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Hyperkalemia Mnemonic Newsletter Hyperkalemia Mnemonic Mnemonic for Hyperkalemia It can be a… Read More Anaphylaxis Newsletter Anaphylaxis (Including Treatment algorithm for adults with Anaphylaxis &… Read More Spontaneous Pneumothorax Newsletter Spontaneous Pneumothorax ‘Pneumothorax’ means the air in the pleural… Read More Acute Asthma Newsletter Acute Asthma Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More  Opioid  Poisoning Newsletter Opioid Poisoning Previous image Next image Click the button… Read More Heart Block Poem Newsletter Heart Block Poem Heart Block Poem: 1st, 2nd, 3rd… Read More Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus Newsletter Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus An epileptic seizure is a… Read More Cardiac arrest & Advanced Life Support (ALS) Newsletter Cardiac arrest & Advanced Life Support (ALS) Cardiac arrest… Read More Load More Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Read More

Hypocalcemia Mnemonic

Newsletter Hypocalcemia Mnemonic Mnemonics in Hypocalcemia It can be a little difficult to remember everything about Hypocalcemia. In this article, we have stated some Mnemonics which are popular and useful mnemonics to remember some important theories related to Hypocalcemia. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get LIFETIME Access to 570+ Medical Presenations Causes of Hypocalcemia Mnemonic – HARVARD H – Hypoparathyroidism, Hyperphosphatemia, Hypomagnesemia, Hungry bone syndrome A – Acute Pancreatitis R – Renal Failure, Rapid citrated blood transfusion V – Vitamin D3 Deficiency A – Alkalosis E – Rhabdomyolysis D – Drugs (Eg – Bisphosphonates)  Download our Medical MNEMONICS eBook Hypocalcemia signs & symptoms Mnemonics – SPASMODIC S – Spasm P – Perioral Paraesthesia A – Anxious, Arrythmia S – Seizure M – Muscle tone increased O – Orientation impaired and confusion D – Dermatitis I – Impetigo herpetiformis C – Chvostek sign, Cardiomyopathy ECG changes in Hypocalcemia The ECG hallmark of hypocalcemia is the prolongation of the QTc interval because of the lengthening of the ST segment, which indirectly proportional to the degree of hypocalcemia or, as otherwise stated, inversely proportional to the serum calcium level. Hypokalaemia: T wave inversion and prominent U waves Share this : Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Read More
Hypokalamia ecg ekg rish academy cov

Hypokalemia ECG/EKG

Newsletter Hypokalemia ECG/EKG ECG changes in hypokalaemia (K < 2.7 mmol/L) Hypokalaemia is defined as a serum potassium level of < 3.5 mmol/L. ECG changes typically do not appear until a moderate level of hypokalaemia (2.5-2.9 mmol/L) has been reached. Decreased T wave amplitude is the first sign of hypokalaemia on the ECG. Pathophysiology Potassium is important for regulating the normal electrical activity of the heart. Reduces extracellular potassium causes myocardial hyperexcitability with the potential to develop re-entrant arrhythmias. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get LIFETIME Access to 570+ Medical Presenations 5 key ECG features of hypokalaemia (K < 2.7 mmol/L) • Increased P wave amplitude • Prolongation of PR interval • Widespread ST depression and T wave flattening/inversion • Prominent U waves (best seen in the precordial leads V2-V3) • Apparent long QT interval due to fusion of T and U waves (= long QU interval) With worsening Hypokalaemia… • Frequent supraventricular and ventricular ectopics • Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: AF, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia • Potential to develop life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, e.g. VT, VF and Torsades de Pointes Hypokalaemia: T wave inversion and prominent U waves QU interval: The apparent pseudo-prolonged QT interval is actually the QU interval with an absent T wave The push-pull effect Hypokalaemia creates the illusion that the T wave is “pushed down”, with resultant T-wave flattening/inversion, ST depression, and prominent U waves In hyperkalaemia, the T wave is “pulled upwards”, creating tall “tented” T waves, and stretching the remainder of the ECG to cause P wave flattening, PR prolongation, and QRS widening Hypokalaemia: T wave inversion and prominent U waves Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations Share this : Related Articles Acute Asthma Newsletter Acute Asthma Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Sepsis & Septic Shock Newsletter Sepsis & Septic shock Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction… Read More Spontaneous Pneumothorax Newsletter Spontaneous Pneumothorax ‘Pneumothorax’ means the air in the pleural… Read More Shock Newsletter Shock Shock is the term used to describe acute… Read More Anaphylaxis Newsletter Anaphylaxis (Including Treatment algorithm for adults with Anaphylaxis &… Read More Thyrotoxic Crisis Newsletter Thyrotoxic Crisis Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Paracetamol Poisoning Newsletter Paracetamol Poisoning Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Pulmonary Embolism Newsletter Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most… Read More Cardiac arrest & Advanced Life Support (ALS) Newsletter Cardiac arrest & Advanced Life Support (ALS) Cardiac arrest… Read More Heart Block Poem Newsletter Heart Block Poem Heart Block Poem: 1st, 2nd, 3rd… Read More ABC Nursing – Airway, Breathing, Circulation Newsletter ABC in Nursing – Assessment & Priority ABC in… Read More  Opioid  Poisoning Newsletter Opioid Poisoning Previous image Next image Click the button… Read More Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus Newsletter Epilepsy & Status Epilepticus An epileptic seizure is a… Read More Emergency Assessment Newsletter Emergency Assessment Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Supra-Ventricular Tachy-Arrhythmias Newsletter Supra-ventricular Tachy-Arrhythmias Previous Next Click the button below to… Read More Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Read More

ABC Nursing – Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Newsletter ABC in Nursing – Assessment & Priority ABC in Nursing – Airway, Breathing, Circulation The ABCs of nursing are a mnemonic that nurses can use to assist them remember the most important actions to take when prioritizing patient care. When prioritizing care, one must decide which needs must be attended to right once and which can wait until a later time due to less urgency. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is utilized by nurses to prioritize patients and determine which patient needs to be seen first.  Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC), which are physiological components required for the body to survive and contribute to a person’s level of health, are included in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. A quick evaluation of life-threatening situations in terms of priority can be made by observing ABCs.  A stands for airway assessment, which involves checking for airway obstruction, which can be detected by stridor, a changing voice sound, and “see-saw” respirations. B stands for breathing assessment and includes checking for cyanosis, using accessory muscles for breathing, and an irregular respiratory rate. C stands for circulation, looking for changes in the color of the hands and fingers, an unusual capillary refill time, and a drop in consciousness (LOC).  When making an initial assessment, take into account a quick “see, listen, and feel” observation. Moreover, any obstruction involving the ABCs needs to be treated immediately. It should be highlighted that patient needs linked to maintaining a patent airway are always priority in prioritizing test questions, and that the ABCs should always be taken into account. You will be pointed in the right direction by this. Rish Academy Medical Notes  AIRWAY ASSESSMENT Problems with the patient’s airways that prohibit them from breathing or getting enough oxygen are referred to as airway difficulties. The patient’s breathing airways become constricted, obstructed, or swollen as a result of these obstructions. Potential Causes are Food blockages, Throat swelling, Foreign objects, and Chocking hazards/small toys Change in Voice The top goal when examining a patient’s airway is to check for any potential obstructions. An indicator that the airway is patent is if the patient responds with a normal voice. If the patient is speaking normally, the airway may be clean. Air entry is reduced and frequently noisy in a partially blocked airway. There will be no air movement or sound at the mouth or nose and a totally blocked airway. “See-saw” Respirations When an airway is completely or partially blocked, “see-saw” respirations are a common breathing pattern. Contrary to how it should usually move, airway blockage causes the chest to expand during exhalation and contract during inhalation. Stridor A loud, high-pitched, and harsh respiratory sound is stridor, often known as wheezing. This may indicate some airway blockage. A frequent indicator of airway blockage is snoring. Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery, and Clinical Medicine Get LIFETIME Access to 570+ Medical Presenations Some slides from the presentations from our Emergency Medicine Presentations  BREATHING ASSESSMENT The focus of breathing problems is on respiratory and ventilation problems. Many problems revolve around oxygen utilization. Fundamentally, this refers to how well individuals get enough oxygen into their lungs and blood. It also emphasizes how well patients expel toxic CO2 and oxygen from their bodies. An example would be when a patient has respiratory problems, lung illness, infections, asthma, allergies, inflammation, etc. 12–20 breaths per minute is the normal respiratory rate. Adults typically breathe 12 to 20 times each minute on average. A rapid breathing rate is a sign that the patient might be becoming worse. Use of Accessory Muscles in Respiration Accessory muscles are additional muscles that can help increase the amount of air that is inspired. These muscles are used to increase the volume and rate of respiration. Patients may appear as though they are pausing for breath between words, as the effort to breathe becomes more and more difficult. In adults, an observation of abdominal breathing is also an indication that breathing is labored. Cyanosis Cyanosis, or blue staining of the skin and mucous membranes, is caused by insufficient oxygenation of the blood. Abdominal breathing and perspiration are two additional typical indicators of respiratory distress. When assessing patients breathing it’s essential to look for signs of breathing difficulty. Basically, you want to look for visual signs and listen for sounds that indicate potential breathing/respiratory distress. This includes color changes of the face/skin, grunting, nose flaring, wheezing, and supplemental body positioning due to oxygen issues. Finally, check the patient’s pulse oximetry to indicate abnormalities that cause/lead to respiratory issues. Abnormal blood oxygen levels may indicate problematic oxygen saturation of the blood. Consequently, shortness of breath, confusion, and restlessness are potential signs of hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). Get LIFETIME Access to Emergency Medicine Notes CIRCULATION ASSESSMENT Circulatory assessment involves patients dealing with insufficient blood circulation. Circulatory problems result from various complications including physical occlusions, blood clots, diabetes, obesity, anemia, hemoglobin issues, etc. Basically, poor blood circulation leads to reduced blood flow and this can cause individuals to experience physical pain, muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling/stinking pains. However, this may also cause strokes, heart attacks, or other severe complications in extreme cases. Color of Hands and Digits Inspecting the skin will give the healthcare provider clues about any circulatory problems. Inadequate oxygenation of the blood leads to cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. The temperature of the skin should also be noted. In this case, the peripheries will be cold.  Normal Capillary Refill Time: 2 Seconds Checking the patient’s capillary refill time (CRT) is the easiest way to check circulation. To check the capillary refill time (CRT), the patient’s hand should be at the level of their heart. The healthcare provider should apply cutaneous pressure for 5 seconds with enough pressure to cause blanching. Time how long it takes for the skin to return to the color of the surrounding skin after releasing the pressure. The normal value for CRT is usually < 2

Read More

Heart Block Poem

Newsletter Heart Block Poem Heart Block Poem: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree Types and ECG Rhythm Explained Heart blocks poem is an easy way to explain the different types of AV blocks and their ECG (EKG) rhythms! Example rhythm strips included. Great for nursing, USMLE, and medical learners! Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations If the R is far from the P, then you’ve got a 1st degree!    PR gets longer, longer, longer, drops, it’s a case of Wenckebach!    If some R’s don’t get through, prepare to pace that Mobitz II!    If the R’s & P’s don’t agree, prepare to pace that 3rd degree! Heart Block Poem Click the button below to Download 570+ High-Yield Presentations in Clinical Medicine, Emergencies, Orthopedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Surgery Rish Academy Medical Notes Get Lifetime Access to 570+ Medical Presentations Share this : Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Read More