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

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.