Sandbox:ab

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Resident Survival Guide

Hypokalemia Microchapters
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Pathophysiology
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Differentiating Hypokalemia from other Diseases
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Diagnosis
Diagnostic Algorithm
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
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Case #1
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Aida Javanbakht, M.D. Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [3] ; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jack Khouri

Synonyms and keywords: Hypokalaemia; potassium levels low (plasma or serum); potassium - low; low blood potassium; potassium depletion

Pathophysiology

Potassium is one of the intracellular cations. Any disorder of potassium serum levels can disturb the transmembrane potential and renders excitable cells (nerve and muscle) hyperpolarized and less excitable. However, cardiac cells don't obey this rule and become hyperexcitable. Potassium regulation is essential to maintain a normal activity in cells. Any impairment in potassium serum levels will have severe consequences on several organs especially the heart and the nervous system. Typically, total potassium excretion in the stool is low and most ingested potassium is absorbed. The kidney is the primary regulator of potassium balance through excretion (the kidney excretes 90-95% of dietary potassium); the gut excretes a minimal amount of dietary potassium (approximately 10%).

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Algorithm | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Related Chapters

• Hypomagnesemia
• Hyperkalemia