🔋 Potassium Deficit Estimate
UseWhen to use: hypokalemia repletion teaching estimate alongside ECG and Mag.
StrataProvides mEq order-of-magnitude only — not a push-dose calculator.
LimitsWhen not to use: anuria without dialysis plan / unclear shifts. · Pitfall: ignoring alkalosis, insulin, β-agonists. · Recheck labs frequently.
SourceStandard teaching potassium deficit estimate
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
ΔK×factor×kg.
When to use
When to use: hypokalemia repletion teaching estimate alongside ECG and Mag.
How it works
Deficit ≈ (K_goal − K_serum) × factor × weight_kg.
Key points
- ΔK×factor×kg.
- Estimate only.
- Next: Mag + ECG + access.
References
- Standard teaching potassium deficit estimate
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Current serum K | 2.8 mEq/L |
|---|---|
| Goal serum K | 4.0 mEq/L |
| Body weight | 70 kg |
| Distribution factor | 0.3 L/kg (conservative / some ♀ teaching) |
→Est. K deficit25mEq
- ≈ mEq per 0.1 mEq/L rise：2
- Factor：0.3 L/kg
- Cue：Smaller estimated deficit band
| Current serum K | 2.8 mEq/L |
|---|---|
| Goal serum K | 4.0 mEq/L |
| Body weight | 70 kg |
| Distribution factor | 0.4 L/kg (common teaching) |
→Est. K deficit34mEq
- ≈ mEq per 0.1 mEq/L rise：3
- Factor：0.4 L/kg
- Cue：Smaller estimated deficit band
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Does Potassium Deficit Estimate upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Potassium Deficit Estimate calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Current serum K 2.8 mEq/L, Goal serum K 4.0 mEq/L, Body weight 70 kg, Distribution factor 0.3 L/kg (conservative / some ♀ teaching) → Result: Est. K deficit 25 mEq（≈ mEq per 0.1 mEq/L rise: 2, Factor: 0.3 L/kg, Cue: Smaller estimated deficit band） Inputs: Current serum K 2.8 mEq/L, Goal serum K 4.0 mEq/L, Body weight 70 kg, Distribution factor 0.4 L/kg (common teaching) → Result: Est. K deficit 34 mEq（≈ mEq per 0.1 mEq/L rise: 3, Factor: 0.4 L/kg, Cue: Smaller estimated deficit band）