A patient on amphotericin B has weakness and cramps. Serum potassium = 2.3 mEq/dl. Calculate the total parenteral potassium supplementation to be given to the patient over the next 24 hours
High-Yield Explanation
For causing a rise of potassium in blood by 1 mEq/dl, 200 mEq of potassium supplementation is required. Since symptoms develops with serum potassium less than 3 mEq/dl, the clinician should give sufficient potassium to rise upto 3 mEq/dl intravenous route. Following this oral potassium supplement will suffice Hence mathematically speaking this patient requires approximately 0.7 mEq/dl of potassium to rise in the blood leading to a requirement of 0.7x 200 = 140 mEq over 24 hours