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485
S. Faubel and J. Topf18 Hypokalemia
18
18 Hypokalemia
486
The Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Companion
Introduction
Hypokalemia is a low plasma potassium concen-tration.
Hypokalemia is defined as a plasma potassium concentration less than3.5 mEq/L.Because potassium is necessary for muscle activity and rhythmic cardiaccontraction, recognizing hypokalemia is important. Hypokalemia is a com-mon clinical problem which is often iatrogenic.
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Hypokalemia is a ____________ electrolyte disorder which isoften __________.commoniatrogenic
487
S. Faubel and J. Topf18 Hypokalemia
Etiologies
Hypokalemia is due to either decreased intake or in-creased loss of potassium.
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There are two primary causes of hypokalemia:•
decreased intake of potassium
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increased loss of potassium
Decreased intake of potassium is an uncommon cause of hypokalemiabecause almost all diets are rich in potassium.Increased potassium loss is either from an extra-renal or renal source.
Hypokalemia is due to either decreased potassium __________or increased potassium ______.Potassium losses are divided into renal and _________ sources.intakelossextra-renal
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