In this hyperkalemia case study, I outline the importance of paying attention when medications are discontinued. EN is a 78-year-old female with chronic kidney disease stage 4, hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and type 2 diabetes. She had...
Thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed medications used to treat hypertension, edema, heart failure, and ascites. They work by removing excess salt and water from the body through the urine. This ultimately helps to reduce fluid retention and decrease blood...
I get a little nervous when I see high-dose potassium. Here’s a case scenario where a patient is on a higher dose. WL is a 77 year old male in an assisted living facility. He has a history of CHF, anxiety, pain, GERD, BPH, and constipation. His current...
If you have ever had a patient that has had a substantially elevated potassium level, you have likely been very nervous about their medication list. I really start to get concerned when I see levels above 6 mEq/L. There are numerous drugs that affect potassium that...
Just like adding medications can lead to adding more medications (prescribing cascade), we can think of this strategy in reverse in an attempt to try to stop polypharmacy. Stopping medications can lead to stopping more medications. Let me provide you with some proof!...
