HYPOKALEMIA

Home

Hypokalemia (k):

-          Below normal serum potassium concentration.

-          Hypokalemia increases sensitivity to digitalis.

x Causes:

1. Diuretics
2. Vomiting
3. Gastric suction
4. Metabolic alkalosis.
5. Diarrhea.
6. Diabetic acidosis.
7. Magnesium depletion
8. Inadequate intake.

x Clinical Manifestations:

1. Fatigue
2. Anorexia
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Muscle Weakness
6. Leg cramps
7. decreased bowel motility
8. Paresthesias ( numbness & tingling)
9. Dysrhythmias
10. polyuria
11. Flat T waves or inverted T waves or both, depressed ST segments, elevated U waves.

x Therapeutic Intervention:

1. Parenteral / oral administration of potassium supplement & increased potassium intake.
2. Intake food high in potassium (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, Milk, meat, fruit juices- bananas, melon, citrus fruit).

x Diet:

# Milk          # Fruits             # Vegetables