1. What is the Mayo Clinic DKA Potassium Correction?

The Mayo Clinic formula for correcting potassium in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) accounts for the fact that hyperglycemia can cause pseudohypokalemia by shifting potassium into cells. This correction provides a more accurate assessment of the patient's true potassium status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mayo Clinic DKA potassium correction formula:

Where:

• \( CK \) — Corrected potassium (mEq/L)
• \( K \) — Measured potassium (mEq/L)
• \( G \) — Glucose level (mg/dL)

Explanation: The formula adjusts the measured potassium level based on the degree of hyperglycemia, with 100 mg/dL serving as the baseline glucose level.

3. Importance of Potassium Correction in DKA

Details: Accurate potassium assessment is critical in DKA management as these patients often have total body potassium depletion despite normal or elevated serum levels. Proper correction guides appropriate potassium replacement therapy and prevents complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured potassium in mEq/L and current glucose level in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is potassium correction necessary in DKA?
A: Hyperglycemia causes osmotic shifts that move potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, creating falsely low serum potassium readings despite total body potassium depletion.

Q2: When should this correction be applied?
A: This correction should be used for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis who have significant hyperglycemia (typically glucose >200 mg/dL).

Q3: What are the clinical implications of corrected potassium?
A: The corrected value helps guide potassium replacement therapy. Significant hypokalemia may require more aggressive replacement before initiating insulin therapy.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This is an estimation formula. Individual patient factors, acid-base status, and other electrolytes should also be considered in clinical decision-making.

Q5: How often should potassium be monitored during DKA treatment?
A: Potassium should be monitored every 2-4 hours during initial DKA management, as insulin therapy and correction of acidosis will cause further potassium shifts.