Acute acidosis such as due to formic acid from methanol poisoning, lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION • Disruption of electrical activity of the heart causes arrhythmias
• 8-9 mEq/l causes cardiac arrest
• Non-cardiogenic manifestation includes:
Confusion, anxiety, dyspnea, weakness and heaviness of legs, numbness and tingling sensations in extremities
MANAGEMENT
• Avoid foods rich in potassium
• Administer calcium gluconate to antagonize cardiac effects
• Infuse glucose and insulin to increase potassium uptake of cells
• Administer sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize the plasma and increase potassium uptake of cells
Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed) and start artificial . . .
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