Hypoventilation and hypokalemia in a patient with poor oral intake in the postanesthesia care unit: A case report.
- Author:
Yu Ri YI
1
;
Byeong Mun HWANG
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Kangwon National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea. arim14@kangwon.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Hypokalemia;
Hypoventilation;
Postanesthesia care unit
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anesthesia, General;
Blood Gas Analysis;
Consciousness;
Female;
Humans;
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration;
Hypokalemia;
Hypoventilation;
Hysterectomy;
Intensive Care Units;
Muscle Weakness;
Potassium
- From:Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
2012;7(2):170-173
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We encountered a case of hypoventilation and hypokalemia in a patient with poor oral intake in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). A 44-year-old woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. She was transferred to the PACU after 2 hr of surgery. After 11/2 hr, the patient exhibited hypoventilation, muscle weakness, and mental changes. She was reintubated and transported from the PACU to the intensive care unit. The arterial blood gas analysis results were as follows: pH, 7.27; PaCO2, 65 mmHg; PaO2, 68 mmHg; and serum potassium levels, 2.48 mmol/L. After 6 hr, she recovered with full consciousness.
