Potassium

Potassium (K_) is the major intracellular cation in the body, with a concentration 20 times greater inside the cells than outside. Many cellular functions require that the body maintain a low ECF concentration of K _ ions. CAUSES OF HYPOKALEMIA
GI LOSS

Vomiting Diarrhea Gastric suction Intestinal tumor Malabsorption Cancer therapychemotherapy, radiation therapy Large doses of laxatives
RENAL LOSS

Diureticsthiazides, mineralocorticoids Nephritis Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) Hyperaldosteronism Cushings syndrome Hypomagnesemia Acute leukemia
CELLULAR SHIFT

Alkalosis Insulin overdose

DECREASED INTAKE

CAUSES OF HYPERKALEMIA
DECREASED RENAL EXCRETION

Acute or chronic renal failure (GFR, _20 mL/min) Hypoaldosteronism Addisons disease Diuretics
CELLULAR SHIFT

Acidosis Muscle/cellular injury Chemotherapy Leukemia Hemolysis

INCREASED INTAKE

Oral or IV potassium replacement therapy

ARTIFACTUAL

Sample hemolysis Thrombocytosis Prolonged tourniquet use or excessive fist clenching

REFERENCE RANGES FOR POTASSIUM:

According to Bishop: Serum 3.55.1 mmol/L Plasma Males: 3.54.5 mmol/L Females: 3.44.4 mmol/L Urine (24-h) 25125 mmol/day According to McPherson and Pincus: Plasma 3.8-5.0mEq/L(conventional unit) 3.8-5.0mmol/L(SI unit)