17 Introduction to Potassium

S. Faubel and J. Topf

17 Introduction to Potassium

17

17 Introduction to Potassium

467

The Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Companion

Introduction
Potassium…the final frontier. +

K

+

K+

K

K+

K

+

K

+

K

+

BUN glucose K+

Cr

K

+

K

K+

+

+

K

Na+ Cl– K+ HCO3–

Potassium is the final electrolyte which will be covered in this book. Some of the major differences between sodium and potassium are outlined below: Sodium

Potassium

• Primary extracellular cation.

• Primary intracellular cation.

• Alterations in sodium concentration affect the osmotic movement of water in and out of cells. Most clinical symptoms are related to cerebral edema or dehydration.

• Alterations in potassium concentration result in electrical signals that interrupt normal cardiac rhythm, muscle activity and nerve conduction.

Medical Latin: • Hypokalemia: low plasma potassium,+ K < 3.5 mEq/L. • Eukalemia: normal plasma potassium, 3.5