4th May 2025

An 80-year-old lady presents to ED with a 2-day history of diarrhoea and vomiting.

An 80-year-old lady presents to ED with a 2-day history of diarrhoea and vomiting. She has a history of hypertension and takes Bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg OD. Her initial bloods show a low potassium level of 2.9mmol/L (3.5-5.0mmol/L). She also notes that in the last day she has started to feel palpitations in her chest and is also feeling faint. She then gets placed in a monitored bed with telemetry tracing.

Her clinical examination shows dry mucous membranes, reduced skin turgor. A blood pressure of 100/70mmHg and a heart rate of 120 bpm.

Her telemetry strip shows short terminating runs of Ventricular Tachycardia.

Which is the best option in treating this lady?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.

A: 0.9% Normal Saline with Potassium and Magnesium replacement