Electrolyte disturbances

Electrolyte Disturbances in Acid-Base Imbalance

1. Hyperkalemia (high serum K+)-in metabolic acidosis


2. Hypokalemia (low serum K+)-in metabolic alkalosis


3. Hypocalcemia (low serum Ca++)-in alkalosis


4. Anion gap (increased difference between total cations and anions)-seen in metabolic acidosis.

Formula:
     Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-)

Normal 1-12 mEq/L, should not be >14mEq/L

>20mEq/L anion gap is seen in metabolic acidosis.