What are the causes and characteristics of potassium imbalances?
Hypokalemia (serum K <3.5 mEq/L) is caused by poor nutrition, gastrointestinal loss, hyperaldosteronism, tissue injury or surgery, and similar conditions. Hypokalemia causes gastrointestinal disturbances, cognitive and sensory changes, muscle weakness, and electrocardiogram changes. Hyperkalemia (serum K >5.3 mEq/L) is caused by excessive supplemental potassium, renal failure, excessive potassium-sparing diuretics, Addison’s disease, and disruptions in skin or cellular integrity. Hyperkalemia causes abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, muscular weaknesses, oliguria or anuria, cardiac dysrhythmias, and electrocardiogram changes.
