Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What does the acronym DREAD refer to in the context of hyperkalaemia?

1. Drugs, Renal Failure, Endocrine, Artefact, DKA

2. Diuretics, Renal Failure, Endocrine, Alcohol, Diabetes

3. Diet, Renal, Endocrine, Abnormalities, Diabetes

4. Diuretics, Renal, Endocrine, Anemia, Diabetes

The correct answer is: Drugs, Renal Failure, Endocrine, Artefact, DKA

The acronym DREAD serves as a useful mnemonic to remember the potential causes of hyperkalaemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. The correct answer encompasses a range of factors that can contribute to this condition. The components of the acronym reflect specific categories of causes: - **Drugs**: Various medications, such as ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can lead to increased potassium levels. Understanding the impact of pharmacotherapy on potassium metabolism is critical for patient management. - **Renal Failure**: The kidneys play a central role in regulating potassium levels. In renal failure, the decreased ability of the kidneys to excrete potassium can lead to hyperkalaemia. This underscores the importance of monitoring renal function in patients at risk. - **Endocrine**: Endocrine disorders, particularly those that affect adrenal function, can disrupt potassium balance. Conditions such as Addison's disease significantly impair the body's ability to regulate potassium levels, illustrating how hormonal imbalances can lead to hyperkalaemia. - **Artefact**: Sometimes, elevated potassium levels may not reflect true hyperkalaemia but rather be a result of artefactual elevation due to