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Low potassium is caused by increased excretion of potassium, decreased consumption of potassium rich foods, movement of potassium into the cells, or certain endocrine diseases. [3] Excretion is the most common cause of hypokalemia and can be caused by diuretic use, metabolic acidosis , diabetic ketoacidosis , hyperaldosteronism , and renal ...
Some guidelines recommend a bolus (initial large dose) of insulin of 0.1 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight. This can be administered immediately after the potassium level is known to be higher than 3.3 mmol/L; if the level is any lower, administering insulin could lead to a dangerously low potassium level (see below). [3]
Hypocalcemia is a medical condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood serum. [5] The normal range of blood calcium is typically between 2.1–2.6 mmol/L (8.8–10.7 mg/dL, 4.3–5.2 mEq/L), while levels less than 2.1 mmol/L are defined as hypocalcemic. [1] [3] [6] Mildly low levels that develop slowly often have no symptoms.
Metabolic acidosis is a serious electrolyte disorder characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.Metabolic acidosis has three main root causes: increased acid production, loss of bicarbonate, and a reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete excess acids. [5]
Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. [1] [3]
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Potassium chloride, also known as potassium salt, is used as a medication to treat and prevent low blood potassium. [2] Low blood potassium may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications. [3] The concentrated version should be diluted before use. [2] It is given by slow injection into a vein or by mouth. [4]
Laxative abuse can mimic the serum electrolyte abnormalities, but fractional excretion of potassium will be low; Diuretic abuse could be suspected if urinary chloride excretion varies by time of day but may require a diuretic assay to detect; Surreptitious vomiting can cause metabolic alkalosis and hypokalaemia, but urinary chloride levels will ...