Probability of Hypokalemia w/ 1 or Multiple Measurements

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of hypokalemia based on potassium measurements, specifically focusing on a patient whose potassium levels follow a normal distribution. The original poster presents two scenarios: one measurement and multiple measurements taken on separate days.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the probability of hypokalemia using a single measurement and expresses confusion regarding the implications of multiple measurements. Some participants question the criteria for diagnosis based on multiple samples, while others suggest considering the average of the measurements or the number of positive results needed for a diagnosis.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding how multiple measurements affect the diagnosis of hypokalemia. Some guidance has been offered in terms of calculating probabilities, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity in the problem statement regarding the criteria for diagnosis after multiple measurements, which has led to varied interpretations among participants.

SakuRERE
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Misplaced Homework Thread moved from the technical forums
TL;DR Summary: Finding the probability with one measurement and multiple measurements on separate days.

Question: Hypokalemia is diagnosed when blood potassium levels are low, below 3.5 mmol/L. Let’s assume we know a patient whose measured potassium levels vary daily according to N(µ = 3.8 mmol/L, σ = 0.2 mmol/L).
(a) If a single potassium measurement is made, what is the probability that the patient is diagnosed as hypokalemic?
(b) If measurements are made instead on 4 separate days, what is the probability that the patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia?

For part A -->

I solved the question as a standardized normal distribution. I tried to find P(x<=3.5),
using the standard normal formula z= X-Mean/SD I converted the X value 3.5 to a Z score and got P(x<=-1.5)
after that, I used the Gauss table to find the probability and it was P(x<=-1.5)= 0.0668
this answer was similar to the answer key provided by our professor.

However, for the second part, the answer key has to be 0.0013 but I can't think of a way to figure it out. And I don't understand how taking different measurements on separate days will influence my probability.
I will appreciate your help, thank you!

I attached the positive and negative Gauss tables for easier accessibility.
 

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What does it even mean to be diagnosed after 4 samples? Do you have to get at least one positive? All positive?

The odds of getting more positives than negatives are
##4(.0668)^3(1-.0668)+.0668^4\approx 0.00113## which is not that far from what the answer key says...
 
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Or an average of the four below 3.5?
Some more information is needed in the problem statement.
 
Office_Shredder said:
What does it even mean to be diagnosed after 4 samples? Do you have to get at least one positive? All positive?

The odds of getting more positives than negatives are
##4(.0668)^3(1-.0668)+.0668^4\approx 0.00113## which is not that far from what the answer key says...
Thanks for replying
But I didn’t get what’s that formula you used

Thanks again
 
SakuRERE said:
Thanks for replying
But I didn’t get what’s that formula you used

Thanks again
I added the odds of getting three positives and of getting four positives.

I have no reason to think that's what they want you to do other than the similarity of the answer.
 

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