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Suggest Treatment For High Sodium And Potassium Values
Hello... I have question... If a patient has lab values - Sodium = 130, Potassium - 3.4, BUN = 42, and Creatine = 0.3. They are on Lasix 40 mg. BID via G Tube, Metoprolol 25 mg.BID via G Tube, Cozaar 50 mg BID, and Clonidine patch 0.1mg. Instructions for G Tube are to flush with 250 ml H20 Q6 hours, and the patient has a 5 French PICC line.. What should be done for this patient to help with stablize their lab values
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
User's Response
Hi, thanks for your concern in the HCM.
Firstly, the values of sodium and potassium are not high, rather they are low. Revision of fluid intake and diuretic therapy is needed.
Secondly, it is not rational to suggest any treatment based on the mere information of what medications a patient has been having. A detailed history, clinical examination and the details of course of treatment are needed to post any comment regarding the treatment.
Usually slightly low sodium values like in this case are treated well with fluid restriction only. Any effort to aggressively increase or correct sodium values may cause dangerous neurological complication. Potassium is borderline low. Only revision of diuretic regimen may suffice. If diuretics cannot be revised, potassium supplementation may be needed, if the treating consultant advises to do so.
For any more help, please write back to me directly.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik
Firstly, the values of sodium and potassium are not high, rather they are low. Revision of fluid intake and diuretic therapy is needed.
Secondly, it is not rational to suggest any treatment based on the mere information of what medications a patient has been having. A detailed history, clinical examination and the details of course of treatment are needed to post any comment regarding the treatment.
Usually slightly low sodium values like in this case are treated well with fluid restriction only. Any effort to aggressively increase or correct sodium values may cause dangerous neurological complication. Potassium is borderline low. Only revision of diuretic regimen may suffice. If diuretics cannot be revised, potassium supplementation may be needed, if the treating consultant advises to do so.
For any more help, please write back to me directly.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik
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