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Prepared By : Muflih Dafer saifUniversity ID : 428812683E-mail : 428812683@ekku.edu.sa

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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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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High sources of dietary potassium are Bananas Carrots Tomatoes Oranges Potatoes and sweet potatoes Broccoli Nuts

- etc.04/10/23 4

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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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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Causes of hypokalemia Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating Starvation, malabsorption Cystic fibrosis Severe burns Alcoholism, chronic Osmotic hyperglycemia Respiratory alkalosis Renal tubular acidosis..

- etc.04/10/23 7

Symptoms & signs of hypokalemia1. Constipation2. Respiratory depression.3. Cardiac arrhythmias4. Mild hypokalemia is often asymptomatic5. Moderate hypokalemia causes muscular

weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps 6. More severe hypokalemia causes flaccid

paralysis, hyporeflexia, and tetany.

- etc.

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Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum level of more than 5.0 mEq/L

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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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Symptoms & signs of hyperkalemia1. 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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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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