Hypokalemia diagnosis

Hypokalemia Microchapters
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Differentiating Hypokalemia from other Diseases
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Diagnostic Algorithm
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Electrocardiogram
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jack Khouri, B.S.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis relies on a constellation of findings including the patient's clinical presentation, the history and the lab tests. The transtubular potassium gradient, the urinary potassium level and the urinary chloride level can help diagnosing the etiology. Furthermore, assessing kidney, adrenal and thyroid function is encouraged. Electrocardiography should be performed to evaluate the severity and the cardiac status of the patient which may affect treatment.