Hypokalemia

Question 1

what is hypokalemia?

Answer 1

is a decrease in plasma potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L

Question 2

adults require how much potassium per day?

Answer 2

40 mmol/L a day to balance renal losses

Question 3

people on what diets may not eat sufficient potassium rich foods?

Answer 3

fad diets

Question 4

what are causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 4

• might have an inadequate intake of potassium
• excessive losses of potassium

Question 5

what population of people are at risk of low potassium levels?

Answer 5

elderly
- if they cannot purchase, prepare an eat potassium rich foods

Question 6

how can hospitalized patients who are receiving IV fluids develop hypokalemia?

Answer 6

if they receive solutions that do not contain potassium

Question 7

how can potassium be lost in the body?

Answer 7

• through the kidney either when aldosterone levels are high or bc of diuretic use
• lost thru GI tract
• diarrhea, vomiting or GI suctioning

Question 8

what medications increase the loss of potassium in urine?

Answer 8

thiazide an loop diuretics

Question 9

what medication/substance promotes movement of potassium into the cell?

Answer 9

insulin
- also bronchodilators an decongestants