Figure 2. The carbon-carbon double bond found in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids can exist in the cis or trans configuration. When the two hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond, the configuration is called trans.
Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency, yet the administration of insulin, in most circumstances, can wait until a pharmacy prepares a stat dose. In general, pharmacy should also prepare all insulin infusions using a standard concentration (e.g., 1 unit/mL).
The form of renal tubular acidosis associated with hyperkalemia is usually attributable to real or apparent hypoaldosteronism. It is therefore a common feature in diabetes and a number of other conditions associated with underproduction of renin or aldosterone. In addition, the close relationship between potassium levels and ammonia production dictates that hyperkalemia per se can lead to acidosis.