Hypoventilation and hypokalemia in a patient with poor oral intake in the postanesthesia care unit: A case report

Yi, Yu Ri; Hwang, Byeong Mun

Case Report

Neuromuscular Physiology and Pharmacology

Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2012;7(2):170-173.
Published online May 1, 2012.

Hypoventilation and hypokalemia in a patient with poor oral intake in the postanesthesia care unit: A case report

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Kangwon National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea. arim14@kangwon.ac.kr

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.

Key Words: Hypokalemia, Hypoventilation, Postanesthesia care unit