Hypokalemia (American English) or hypokalaemia (British English), also hypopotassemia or hypopotassaemia (ICD-9), refers to the condition in which the

concentration of potassium (K ) in the blood is low. The prefix hypo- means "under" (contrast with hyper-, meaning "over"); kal- refers to kalium, the Neo-Latin for potassium, and -emia means "condition of the blood." Normal serum potassium levels are between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; at least 95% of the body's potassium is found inside cells, with the remainder in the blood. Thisconcentration gradient is maintained principally by the Na+/K+ pump.
Contents
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[1] +

1 Signs and symptoms 2 Causes

o o o o o o

2.1 Inadequate potassium intake 2.2 Gastrointestinal/integument loss 2.3 Urinary loss 2.4 Distribution away from ECF 2.5 Other/ungrouped 2.6 Pseudohypokalemia

3 Pathophysiology 4 Treatment 5 In other animals 6 See also 7 External links 8 References

[edit]Signs

and symptoms

Mild hypokalemia is often without symptoms, although it may cause a small elevation of blood pressure, and can occasionally provoke cardiac arrhythmias. Moderate hypokalemia, with serum potassium concentrations of 2.5-3 mEq/L (Nl: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L), may cause muscular weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps (owing to disturbed function of the skeletal muscles), and constipation (from disturbed function of smooth muscles). With more severe hypokalemia, flaccid paralysis and hyporeflexia may result. There are reports of rhabdomyolysis occurring with profound hypokalemia with serum potassium levels less than 2 mEq/L. Respiratory depression from severe impairment of skeletal muscle function is found in many patients.
[2]

Some electrocardiographic (ECG) findings associated with hypokalemia include flattened or inverted T waves, a U wave, ST depression and a wide PR interval. Formerly, it was stated that prolongation of the QT interval was a significant electrocardiographic finding. This is now known to be incorrect. Due to prolonged repolarization of ventricular Purkinje fibers, a prominent U wave occurs, that is frequently superimposed upon the T wave and therefore produces the appearance of a prolonged QT interval. [edit]Causes Hypokalemia can result from one or more of the following medical conditions: [edit]Inadequate
[3]

potassium intake

Perhaps the most obvious cause is insufficient consumption of potassium (that is, a low-potassium diet) or starvation. However, without excessive potassium loss from the body, this is a rare cause of hypokalemia.

[edit]Gastrointestinal/integument

loss

A more common cause is excessive loss of potassium, often associated with heavy fluid losses that "flush" potassium out of the body. Typically, this is a consequence of diarrhea, excessive perspiration, or losses associated with surgical procedures. Vomiting can also cause hypokalemia, although not much potassium is lost from the vomitus. Rather, there are heavy urinary losses of K in the setting of post-emetic bicarbonaturia that force urinary potassium excretion (see Alkalosis below). Other GI causes include pancreatic fistulae and the presence of adenoma.
+

[edit]Urinary

loss

Certain medications can cause excess potassium loss in the urine. Diuretics, including thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide) and loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide) are a common cause of hypokalemia. Other medications such as the antifungal, amphotericin B, or the cancer drug, cisplatin, can also cause long-term hypokalemia.

A special case of potassium loss occurs with diabetic ketoacidosis. In addition to urinary losses from polyuria and volume contraction, there is also obligate loss of potassium from kidney tubules as a cationicpartner to the negatively charged ketone, -hydroxybutyrate.

Hypomagnesemia can cause hypokalemia. Magnesium is required for adequate processing of potassium. This may become evident when hypokalemia persists despite potassium supplementation. Other electrolyte abnormalities may also be present.

Alkalosis can cause transient hypokalemia by two mechanisms. First, the alkalosis causes a shift of potassium from the plasma and interstitial fluids into cells; perhaps mediated by stimulation of Na H exchange and a subsequent activation of Na /K -ATPase activity.
+ + + [4] +

Second, an acute rise of

plasma HCO3 concentration (caused by vomiting, for example) will exceed the capacity of the renal proximal tubuleto reabsorb this anion, and potassium will be excreted as an obligate cation partner to the bicarbonate.
[5]

Metabolic alkalosis is often present in states of volume

depletion, so potassium is also lost viaaldosterone-mediated mechanisms. Disease states that lead to abnormally high aldosterone levels can cause hypertension and excessive urinary losses of potassium. These include renal artery stenosis and tumors (generally non-malignant) of the adrenal glands, e.g., Conn's syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism). Cushing's syndrome can also lead to hypokalaemia due to excess cortisol binding the Na+/K+ pump and acting like aldosterone. Hypertension and hypokalemia can also be seen with a deficiency of the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme which allows cortisols to stimulate aldosterone receptors. This deficiencyknown as apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndromecan either be congenital or caused by consumption of glycyrrhizin, which is contained in extract of licorice, sometimes found in herbal supplements, candiesand chewing tobacco. Rare hereditary defects of renal salt transporters, such as Bartter syndrome or Gitelman syndrome, can cause hypokalemia, in a manner similar to that of diuretics. As opposed to disease states of primary excesses of aldosterone, blood pressure is either normal or low in Bartter's or Gitelman's. [edit]Distribution

away from ECF

In addition to alkalosis, other factors can cause transient shifting of potassium into cells, presumably by stimulation of the Na-K-ATPase. These hormones and medications include insulin, epinephrine, and other beta agonists (e.g. salbutamol or salmeterol), and xanthines (e.g. Theophylline).
[6] [4]

Rare hereditary defects of muscular ion channels and transporters that cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis can precipitate occasional attacks of severe hypokalemia and muscle weakness. These defects cause a heightened sensitivity to the normal changes in potassium produced by catechols and/or insulin and/or thyroid hormone, which lead to movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the muscle cells.

[edit]Other/ungrouped There have been a handful of published reports describing individuals with severe hypokalemia related to chronic extreme consumption (4-10 L/day) of colas. The hypokalemia is thought to be from the combination of the diuretic effect of caffeine [edit]Pseudohypokalemia
[8] [7]

and copious fluid intake, although it may also

[9][10]

be related to diarrhea caused by heavy fructose ingestion.

Pseudohypokalemia is a decrease in the amount of potassium that occurs due to excessive uptake of potassium by metabolically active cells after blood has been drawn. It is a laboratory artifact that may occur when blood samples remain in warm conditions for several hours before processing.
[11]

[edit]Pathophysiology Potassium is essential for many body functions, including muscle and nerve activity. The electrochemical gradient of potassium between the intracellular and extracellular space is essential for nerve function; in particular, potassium is needed to repolarize the cell membrane to a resting state after an action potential has passed. Decreased potassium levels in the extracellular space will cause hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. This hyperpolarization is caused by the effect of the altered potassium gradient on resting membrane potential as defined by the Goldman equation. As a result, a greater than normal stimulus is required for depolarization of the membrane in order to initiate an action potential. In certain conditions, this will make cells less excitable. However, in the heart, it causes myocytes to become hyperexcitable. Lower membrane potentials in the atrium may cause arrhythmias because of more complete recovery from sodium-channel inactivation, making the triggering of an action potential more likely. In addition, the reduced extracellular potassium (paradoxically) inhibits the activity of the IKr potassium current
[12]

and delays ventricular repolarization. This delayed repolarization may

promote reentrant arrythmias. [edit]Treatment The most important treatment in severe hypokalemia is addressing the cause, such as improving the diet, treating diarrhea or stopping an offending medication. Patients without a significant source of potassium loss and who show no symptoms of hypokalemia may not require treatment. Mild hypokalemia (>3.0 mEq/L) may be treated with oral potassium chloride supplements (Klor-Con, Sando-K, Slow-K). As this is often part of a poor nutritional intake, potassium-containing foods may be recommended, such as leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, citrus fruits, oranges or bananas.
[13]

Both

dietary and pharmaceutical supplements are used for people taking diuretic medications (see Causes, above). Severe hypokalemia (<3.0 mEq/L) may require intravenous (IV) supplementation. Typically, a saline solution is used, with 20-40 mEq KCl per liter over 34 hours. Giving IV potassium at faster rates (20-25 mEq/hr) may predispose to ventricular tachycardias and requires intensive monitoring. A generally safe rate is 10 mEq/hr. Even in severe hypokalemia, oral supplementation is preferred given its safety profile. Sustained release formulations should be avoided in acute settings.

Difficult or resistant cases of hypokalemia may be amenable to a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone or eplerenone. Concomittant hypomagnesiumemia will inhibit potassium replacement as magnesium is a cofactor for potassium uptake.
[14]

When replacing potassium intravenously, infusion via a central line is encouraged to avoid the frequent occurrence of a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV, or the rare occurrence of damage to the vein. When peripheral infusions are necessary, the burning can be reduced by diluting the potassium in larger amounts of IV fluid, or mixing 3 ml of 1% lidocaine to each 10 meq of KCl per 50 ml of IV fluid. The practice of adding lidocaine, however, raises the likelihood of serious medical errors. [edit]In
[15]

other animals
[16]

Cats can develop hypokalemia, which may be manifested by abnormal gait and an inability to keep the head elevated. Cats respond well to dietary supplementation of potassium chloride. A feline form

ofhypokalemic periodic paralysis has been described in Burmese kittens, which appears to be related to an autosomal recessive mutation. Although these kittens are not hypokalemic between episodes, regular supplementation of [KCl] seems effective.
[17]

Potassium is a soft silvery white metal substance that is essential for living things. Potassium is a mineral that is important for the kidney to function normally. It is also essential for muscle contraction and for the proper regulation of the heart contractility. Enough supply of Magnesium is needed to maintain the normal level of potassium in the body. Hyperkalemia is a condition wherein there is too much potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia a condition wherein there is too little potassium in the blood. Proper balance of potassium in the body depends on sodium. Too much use of sodium may deplete the body's store of potassium. Other cases that can cause deficiency of potassium in the body are ; vomiting, excessive sweating, diarrhea and use of diuretics. High potassium diet prevent high blood pressure.Coffee and alcohol can increase the amount of potassium excreted in the urine. Nature Made Potassium Gluconate 550mg, 100 Tablets (Pack of 3) Amazon Price: $12.10 List Price: $17.97

Twinlab CellMins Potassium and Magnesium, 180 Capsules (Pack of 2) Amazon Price: $25.52 List Price: $53.90

Now Foods Potassium Citrate 99 mg Capsules, 180-Count Amazon Price: $4.95 List Price: $12.14 Symptoms of Deficiency : Muscle fatigue

Constipation Irregular pulse Rapid heart beat Paralytic ileus Muscle cramps while jogging Lack of appetite Mental apathy Muscle weakness Actual paralysis of the muscles

Daily Requirements - 3-5 gm. Supplemental Dosage - Usually unnecessary. Food Sources : Fish, fruits especially bananas, fruit juices, instant coffee, dried fruits especially prunes, vegetables, soybeans, other dried beans, sweet potato, molasses, nuts, cocoa, wheat germ.

Other Interesting Articles

Health Benefits of Potassium Most consumers and health food gurus, as well as the average health food nuts are well acquainted with the important of potassium being one of the body's main essential minerals needed for optimal health. ... LOW POTASSIUM FOOD Potassium, found in many foods, is one of the essential minerals that is required by the human body for regulating the beat of the heart, maintaining fluid balance and allowing the muscles and the nerves... How to Make known Concentration of Potassium Hydroxi... Individuals from any part of the World without the Knowledge of Chemistry can Prepare their own Lye (Potassium Hydroxide) with known concentration from Plant Ash (in this case, dried plantain peels) as the... Potassium Rich Foods Before I talk about foods that are high in potassium, let's have a look at health benefits and some other information on Potassium. In case you only want to read about foods and skip this info, scroll down. ...

Hypokalemia: Abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood. See free access online books about Hypokalemia below. See detailed information below for a list of 153 causes of

Hypokalemia, Symptom Checker, Assessment Questionnaire, including diseases and drug side effect causes.

Related Hypokalemia Info

Related Pages
1. Hypokalemia: Introduction 2. Causes (153 conditions) 3. Symptom Checker 4. Assessment Questionnaire 5. Misdiagnosis 6. Deaths 7. Home Testing 8. Treatments 9. Diagnostic Tests (12 listings) 10. Drug causes (49 drugs) 11. Drug interactions (30 listings) 12. Diagnostic Guides (Online) 13. Videos 14. Definitions 15. Comorbid Symptoms 16. Classifications 17. Stories from Users Review Causes of Hypokalemia: Causes |Symptom Checker | Assessment Questionnaire

Causes of Hypokalemia:
The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Hypokalemia. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.

Inadequate potassium in diet Severe or prolonged diarrhoea See also causes of diarrhoea Severe or prolonged vomiting See also causes of vomiting

Bowel obstruction See also causes of bowel obstruction Following bowel surgery Bowel fistulae Kidney damage due to drugs Kidney damage due to bacteria or infection Diuretic use IV fluids Urinary tract obstruction Diabetes Insulin use following diabetic ketoacidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis Hypertension Cushing's Syndrome Conn's Syndrome Aldosteronism Primary aldosteronism Secondary aldosteronism Steroid use Corticosteroid medications Heart failure Liver disease Alcoholism Liver Cirrhosis Blood test falsely show decreased potassium levels - e.g. error in collection or storage more causes...

See full list of 153 causes of Hypokalemia

Review Causes of Hypokalemia: Causes | Symptom Checker | Assessment Questionnaire

Home Diagnostic Testing and Hypokalemia

Home medical tests possibly related to Hypokalemia:

Fatigue: Related Home Tests:

o o o

Home Anemia Tests Home Thyroid Gland Function Tests Home Adrenal Gland Function Tests

more home tests...

Hypokalemia: Symptom Checker

Listed below are some combinations of symptoms associated with Hypokalemia, as listed in our database. Visit the Symptom Checker, to add and remove symptoms and research your condition.

Symptom Checker Hypokalemia: Symptom Checker

Symptom Checker Hypokalemia and Abdominal symptoms (62 causes) Hypokalemia and Blood symptoms (59 causes) Hypokalemia and Abnormal blood test symptoms (55 causes) Hypokalemia and Digestive symptoms (52 causes) Hypokalemia and Electrolyte imbalance symptoms (52 causes) Hypokalemia and Cardiovascular symptoms (48 causes) Hypokalemia and Muscle symptoms (47 causes) Hypokalemia and Nerve symptoms (46 causes) Hypokalemia and Muscle weakness (45 causes) Hypokalemia and Body symptoms (44 causes) Hypokalemia and Vomiting (43 causes) Hypokalemia and Sensory symptoms (42 causes) Hypokalemia and Musculoskeletal symptoms (40 causes) Hypokalemia and Weakness (40 causes) Hypokalemia and Mouth symptoms (39 causes) Hypokalemia and Head symptoms (38 causes) Hypokalemia and Movement symptoms (38 causes) Hypokalemia and Heart symptoms (37 causes) more...

See full list of 501 Symptom Checkers for Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia Treatments
Some of the possible treatments listed in sources for treatment of Hypokalemia may include:

Hospital admission Intravenous access Potassium replacement therapy Potassium chloride Klor-Con K-Dur more treatments...

Review further information on Hypokalemia Treatments.

Stories from Users for Hypokalemia

Real-life user stories relating to Hypokalemia:

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

low potassium, fast heart rate Low Potassium Alert!! Low Potassium Home Test? hypokalemia low potassium? Low Potassium Alert!! low potassium, anemia, and gastrits link Potassium Level of 9.6 low potassium low potassium, anemia, and gastrits link low potassium, bone pain Hypokalemia hypokalemia high potassium levels Severe hypokalemia help Hypokalemia

Message Boards for Hypokalemia

Symptom specific forums: The following patient stories in our interactive forums and message boards relate to Hypokalemia or relevant symptoms:

Genitourinary (The urination system) (297) o o o o o o New Onset Foul urine in adult Female,No infect. Constant urge to urinate/urgency-22y/o male Burning In Penis After Urination. Std/urine Culture = Negative Excessive Burping.. Blood in urine (hematuria) More user stories

Constitutional (General Wellbeing) (439) o o o o o o Sore Scalp/hair follicles My wife does not sweat I'm worried Fat loss in entire body Dont know how much more I can take.. I'm Lost. More user stories

Musculoskeletal (Muscles, joints and bones) (854) o o o o o o Joint and muscular pain after taking chantix Arm pain after sneezing Fifth Disease in Adults...anyone had it? Fibromyalgia Diastasis recti in adult male More user stories

Gastrointestinal (Food - from entry to exit) (1035) o o o o o o Bloating/Distention/Intestinal Gas Intense Abdominal Pain Feels like a baby kicking-not pregnant Help Please! Extreme Abdominal Pain/Gas/Bowel Symptoms ++ Explosive Diarrhea after eating More user stories

Diagnostic tests for Hypokalemia:

Various tests are used in the diagnosis of Hypokalemia. Some of these are listed below :

Blood tests o o o Full blood count Electrolytes and kidney function tests Sodium level. If sodium level is normal or increased consider hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, periodic paralysis or IV fluid supplementation without supplemental potassium. If sodium level is decreased consider pyloric obstruction, diuretics, severe vomiting, diabetic acidosis, diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis, starvation and malabsorption syndrome o o Plasma cortisol. If elevated suggests Cushing's syndrome Bicarbonate level. If Bicarbonate level is increased, with a low sodium and low potassium consider pyloric obstruction, persistent vomiting and diuretic administration. If bicarbonate level is low, with a low sodium and low potassium consider diabetic acidosis, renal tubular acidosis, diarrhea, starvation, diuretic effects and malabsorption syndrome o Plasma renin

more tests...

See full list of 12 diagnostic tests for Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia: Animations

Blood Clot

More Hypokalemia animations & videos

Medications or substances causing Hypokalemia:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Hypokalemia as a symptom. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Metolazone

Diulo Chlorthalidone Hydroxocobalamin Neo-Cytamen Guarana Eformoterol more causes...

See full list of 49 medications causing Hypokalemia

Drug interactions causing Hypokalemia:

When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Hypokalemia as a symptom. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Celestone and diuretic interaction Entocort EC and diuretic interaction Cortone and diuretic interaction Decadron and diuretic interaction Dexameth and diuretic interaction Dexone and diuretic interaction more interactions...

See full list of 30 drug interactions causing Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia: Comorbid Symptoms

Some of the comorbid or associated medical symptoms for Hypokalemia may include these symptoms:

Abdominal symptoms Blood symptoms Abnormal blood test symptoms Digestive symptoms Electrolyte imbalance symptoms Cardiovascular symptoms Muscle symptoms Nerve symptoms

more associated symptoms...

See all associated comorbid symptoms for Hypokalemia

Causes of General Symptom Types

Research the causes of these more general types of symptom:

Blood symptoms (2297 causes) Electrolyte balance symptoms (300 causes) Abnormal blood test symptoms (1538 causes) more symptoms...

Causes of Similar Symptoms to Hypokalemia

Research the causes of these symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Hypokalemia:

Diarrhoea (2312 causes) Laxative use Renal disease Diuretics Decreased dietary intake Hyperaldosteronism Cushings syndrome (28 causes) more symptoms...

Assessment Questionnaire: Questions your doctor may ask (and why!)

During a consultation, your doctor will use various techniques to assess the symptom: Hypokalemia. These will include a physical examination and possibly diagnostic tests. (Note: A physical exam is always done, diagnostic tests may or may not be performed depending on the suspected condition) Your doctor will ask several questions when assessing your condition. It is important to openly share any pertinent information to help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

It is also very important to bring an up-to-date list of all of your all medical conditions, medications including dosages, and names of numbers of any specialist you see.

Create your printable checklist here.

See Hypokalemia Assessment Questionnaire (7 listings)

Hypokalemia: Deaths
Read more about causes and Hypokalemia deaths.

Misdiagnosis and Hypokalemia

Unnecessary hysterectomies due to undiagnosed bleeding disorder in women: The bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand's disease is quite common in women, but often fails to be correctly diagnosed....read more

Read more about Misdiagnosis and Hypokalemia

Diagnostic Guides for Hypokalemia

Medical Books Excerpts Read excertps from published book sections related to Hypokalemia from the following published medical books for more detailed information about Hypokalemia. Free access (no registration): read all online diagnostic book sections about Hypokalemia

Medical Books Excerpts HYPOKALEMIA "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003) Hypokalemia "In a Page: Signs and Symptoms" (2004) Hypokalemia "In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms" (2007) HYPOKALEMIA [ read ] [ read ] [ read ]

"Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007) [ read ]

Hypokalemia "A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis" (1999) [ read ]

Hypokalemia (severe) "Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)" (2005) [ read ]

Potassium imbalance "Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)" (2005) [ read ]

Hypokalemia "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000) [ read ]

Potassium imbalance "Handbook of Diseases" (2003) [ read ]

HYPOKALEMIA "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007) [ read ]

Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Hypokalemia: Research Related Doctors & Specialists

Blood Health Specialists (Hematology): o o o Hematology (Blood Specialists) Pediatric Hematology / Oncology (Child Cancer/Leukemia) Hematopathology (Blood Diagnostics)

more specialists...

Other ways to find a doctor, or use doctor, physician and specialist online research services:

Rate Your Doctor by Taking a Survey Online Research Your Doctor View Online Patient Surveys from Other Patients of Your Doctor Research local doctors and specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Causes of Hypokalemia listed in Disease Database:

Other medical conditions listed in the Disease Database as possible causes of Hypokalemia as a symptom include:

Acute myeloid leukemia Alkalosis, metabolic Amikacin Aminophylline Amphotericin B Anorexia nervosa Arsenic trioxide Bartter's syndrome Bendrofluazide Bulimia nervosa more causes...

See full list of 153 causes of Hypokalemia - (Source - Diseases Database)

Definitions of Hypokalemia:
Hypokalemia: The presence of an abnormally low concentration of potassium ions in the circulating blood; occurs in familial periodic paralysis and in potassium depletion due to excessive loss from the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys. The changes of hypokalemia may include vacuolation of renal tubular epithelial cytoplasm with impairment of urinary concentrating power and acidification, flattening of the T wave of the electrocardiogram, and muscle weakness. SYN: hypopotassemia. [hypo- + G. kalion L. kalium, potassium, + G. haima, blood] Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Hypokalemia; lower than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood. - (Source - Diseases Database)

Abnormally low level of potassium in the circulating blood leading to weakness and heart abnormalities; associated with adrenal tumors or starvation or taking diuretics - (Source - WordNet 2.1)

Abnormally low potassium concentration in the blood; may result from excessive potassium loss by the renal or gastrointestinal route, from decreased intake, or from transcellular shifts; manifested clinically by neuromuscular disorders ranging from weakness to paralysis, by electrocardiographic abnormalities, and by renal and gastrointestinal disorders. - (Source - CRISP)

Organs affected by Hypokalemia:

The list of organs typically affected by Hypokalemia may include, but is not limited to:

Blood

Detailed list of causes of Hypokalemia

The list below shows some of the causes of Hypokalemia mentioned in various sources:

Acid-Base Imbalance - hypokalemia Ackee Fruit Food poisoning - hypokalemia Acute liver failure - hypokalemia Acute myeloid leukemia Alcoholism more causes...

See full list of 153 causes of Hypokalemia

How Common are these Causes of Hypokalemia?

This information refers to the general prevalence and incidence of these diseases, not to how likely they are to be the actual cause of Hypokalemia. Of the 153 causes of Hypokalemia that we have listed, we have the following prevalence/incidence information:

5 causes are "very common" diseases 4 causes are "common" diseases 2 causes are "uncommon" diseases 0 causes are "rare" diseases 3 causes are "very rare" diseases 149 causes have no prevalence information.

See the analysis of the prevalence of 153 causes of Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia

Potassium plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle function, acid-base balance and osmotic pressure. Potassium levels are obtained through venous blood extraction. It is a metabolic disorder wherein the level of potassium in the blood is lower than normal (< 3.5 mEq/L). It is associated with shifting of K+ into cells, K+ loss from GI and biliary tracts, renal K+ excretion and reduced K+ intake.

Diuretics, antibiotics and mineralocorticoid administration Barium chloride poisoning Symptoms:

It is a result of one of the following: Diarrhea, sweating, vomiting Starvation, malabsorption Bartters syndrome Draining wounds Cystic fibrosis Severe burns Primary aldosteronism Chronic alcoholism Osmotic hyperglycemia Respiratory alkalosis Renal tubular acidosis

Arryrthmias, especially for persons with cardiovascular disease Breakdown of muscle fibers Constipation

Fatigue Muscle weakness or spasms, paralysis Treatment: Correct underlying disorder associated with hypokalemia. Give potassium tablets. Have a diet rich in potassium such as bananas, apples, oranges, milk and tomatoes.

Nursing Considerations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Record fluid intake and output. Check blood volume and venous pressure. Identify ECG changes such as depressed T waves, peaking P waves. Observe for dehydration. Accurately record state of hydration. Observe for neuromuscular changes such as fatigue and muscular weakness.