Disorders of Potassium

✍ Scribed by Schaefer, Timothy J.; Wolford, Robert W.

• Book ID: 122495326
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 453 KB
• Volume: 23
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0733-8627
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2005.03.016

✦ Synopsis

Potassium disorders are the most common electrolyte abnormality identified in clinical practice. Presenting symptoms are similar for both hypo- and hyperkalemia, primarily affecting the cardiac, neuromuscular, and gastrointestinal systems. Generally, mild hypokalemia is the most common potassium disorder seen clinically;however, severe complications can occur. Hyperkalemia is less common but more serious, especially if levels are rising rapidly. The etiologies and treatments for both hypo- and hyperkalemia are discussed, with special emphasis on the role medications play in the etiologies of each.