1. Prepared By : Muflih Dafer saif
University ID : 428812683
E-mail : 428812683@ekku.edu.sa
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2. Introduction
 Potassium is the principal electrolyte (cation) of
intracellular fluid.
 Ninety percent of potassium is concentrated
within the cell ; only small amounts are
contained in bone and blood.
 Potassium balance is regulated through
gastrointestinal tract absorption and kidneys
excretion .
 Damaged cells release potassium into the blood.
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3. Cont..
 Potassium plays an important role in
nerve conduction, muscle function, acid-
base balance and osmotic pressure.
 Potassium controls the rate and force of
contraction of the heart and, thus the
cardiac output.
 Evidence of a Potassium deficit can be
noted on an ECG by the presence of a U
wave.
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4. High sources of dietary
potassium are
 Bananas
 Carrots
 Tomatoes
 Oranges
 Potatoes and sweet potatoes
 Broccoli
 Nuts
- etc.
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5. Normal Serum Range of
Potassium
 Normal serum potassium levels are
Adult: 3.5 – 5.2 mEq/L
Children (1 – 18 years): 3.4 – 4.7 mEq/L
Infants (7 days –year): 4.1 – 5.3 mEq/L
Neonates ( 0 – 7 days ): 3.7 – 5.9 mEq/L
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6. Hypokalemia
 A low potassium blood level is referred to
as hypokalemia.
 Hypokalemia is defined as a serum level of
less than 3.5 mEq/L .
 Hypokalemia is common in the old people.
 The most frequent cause of potassium
deficiency is GI loss.
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7. Causes of hypokalemia
 Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating
 Starvation, malabsorption
 Cystic fibrosis
 Severe burns
 Alcoholism, chronic
 Osmotic hyperglycemia
 Respiratory alkalosis
 Renal tubular acidosis..
- etc. 12/16/12 7

8. Symptoms & signs of
hypokalemia
1. Constipation
2. Respiratory depression.
3. Cardiac arrhythmias
4. Mild hypokalemia is often asymptomatic
5. Moderate hypokalemia causes muscular
weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps
6. More severe hypokalemia causes flaccid
paralysis, hyporeflexia, and tetany.
- etc.
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9. Hyperkalemia
 Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum level
of more than 5.0 mEq/L
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10. Causes of hyperkalemia
 Drugs which block potassium excretion
(angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE]
inhibitors and spironolactone).
 Renal failure, dehydration, obstruction, and
trauma.
 Cell damage, as in burns, accidents, surgery,
chemotherapy, DIC,
 Addison’s disease.
 Uncontrolled diabetes, decreased insulin.
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11. Symptoms & signs of
hyperkalemia
1. Hyperkalemia can be asymptomatic
2. Nausea .
3. Fatigue and muscle weakness.
4. Tingling sensations.
5. Slow heart beat and weak pulse.
- etc.
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12.  Hemolyzed blood may not be used.
 Leukocytosis, as occurs in leukemia, raises
potassium levels.
 A number of drugs raise potassium levels,
especially potassium-sparing diuretics and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially in
the presence of renal disease.
 We Can Determine the K+ in Blood (serum or
Plasma ) ,Stool , Urine, CSF and Saliva.
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