How to use potassium replacement calculator
The Potassium Repletion Calculator uses the formula:
\[ K = (D - C) \times W \times 0.6 \]Where:
- \( K \) is the amount of potassium needed for repletion (in mmol).
- \( D \) is the desired potassium level (in mmol/L).
- \( C \) is the current potassium level (in mmol/L).
- \( W \) is the patient's weight (in kg).
To use the calculator:
- Understand the Formula.
- Gather Information: Desired potassium level (\( D \)), current potassium level (\( C \)), and patient's weight (\( W \)).
- Plug in Values: Substitute the values into the formula.
- Calculate: Perform the calculation to find the amount of potassium needed (\( K \)).
- Interpret the Result: The calculated value (\( K \)) represents the potassium needed for repletion.
Example:
Suppose \( D = 4 \, \text{mmol/L} \), \( C = 3 \, \text{mmol/L} \), and \( W = 70 \, \text{kg} \).
Substitute these values into the formula:
\[ K = (4 - 3) \times 70 \times 0.6 \]Calculate:
\[ K = 1 \times 70 \times 0.6 = 42 \, \text{mmol} \]Interpretation: The calculated value is 42 mmol, representing the potassium needed for repletion.