1. What is Total Body Potassium Deficit?

The Total Body Potassium Deficit calculation estimates the amount of potassium needed to correct hypokalemia in women, accounting for total body water and gender-specific factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the potassium deficit equation for women:

Where:

• \( \text{Normal K} \) — Normal potassium level (typically 4.0 mmol/L)
• \( \text{Measured K} \) — Current measured potassium level (mmol/L)
• \( \text{TBW} \) — Total body water in liters
• \( \text{Factor Women} \) — Gender-specific factor (typically 0.5 for women)

Explanation: The equation estimates the total potassium deficit based on the difference between normal and measured potassium levels, adjusted for body water content and gender.

3. Importance of Potassium Deficit Calculation

Details: Accurate potassium deficit estimation is crucial for safe and effective correction of hypokalemia, preventing both under- and over-correction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter normal potassium (typically 4.0 mmol/L), measured potassium, total body water, and factor (0.5 for women). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the factor different for women?
A: Women typically have a higher percentage of body fat and lower total body water compared to men, requiring adjustment in the calculation.

Q2: How is total body water (TBW) estimated?
A: TBW can be estimated as 50% of body weight in kg for women (e.g., 60 kg woman ≈ 30L TBW).

Q3: What are normal potassium levels?
A: Normal serum potassium is typically 3.5-5.0 mmol/L, with 4.0 mmol/L often used as the target for calculations.

Q4: How should the deficit be corrected?
A: Correction should be gradual, typically not exceeding 20 mmol/hr via IV or divided oral doses, with frequent monitoring.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This provides an estimate; individual variations in potassium distribution, acid-base status, and renal function may affect actual requirements.