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  • Title: An approach to the patient with severe hypokalaemia: the potassium quiz.
    Author: Groeneveld JH, Sijpkens YW, Lin SH, Davids MR, Halperin ML.
    Journal: QJM; 2005 Apr; 98(4):305-16. PubMed ID: 15760922.
    Abstract:
    The objective of this teaching session with Professor McCance is to develop an approach to the management of patients with a very low plasma potassium (K(+)) concentration (P(K)). The session begins with a quiz based on six recent medical consultations for a P(K) < 2 mmol/l. Professor McCance outlined how he would proceed with his diagnosis and therapy, using the synopsis that described each patient. This approach was then applied to a new patient, a 69-year-old woman who had a large volume of dependent oedema and developed a severe degree of weakness and hypokalaemia during more aggressive diuretic therapy that included a K(+)-sparing diuretic. The initial challenge for Professor McCance was to deduce why the K(+)-sparing diuretic was not effective in this patient. He also needed to explain why the P(K) was so low on admission.
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