Hypokalaemia: case report and review of the literature

Hypokalaemia is a relatively common clinical diagnosis compared to hyperkalaemia. It's presentation could be dramatic, especially in patients with no prior history or predisposing factors. A prompt diagnosis and management of this condition is often lifesaving, considering the risk of arrhythmias common in them. A case of hypokalaemia which was aggravated by innocent medical intervention is reported. Good clinical intuition coupled with prompt simple laboratory investigations led to a favourable outcome. The hospital notes of the patient and literature on hypokalaemia were reviewed. There is a need to expect and prepare for the unexpected in clinical practice especially in the private hospital setting where there is a limited availability of specialist skills.