12. Potassium

Question 1

What is the Main Cation in the Intracellular Fluid?

Answer 1

Potassium

Question 2

What are Potassium’s General Functions?

Answer 2

Intracellular Fluid Balance

Nerve Impulse Transmission

Muscle Contraction

Glycogen Formation

Protein Synthesis

pH Balance

Question 3

What Regulates Potassium Levels?

Answer 3

Kidneys

Question 4

What are the Reference Ranges of Potassium?

Answer 4

3.5 - 5.5 mmol / L

Question 5

When are Potassium Levels Investigated?

Answer 5

Hypertension

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Diruetic + Laxative Medications

Acute / Chronic Renal Failure

Diarrhoea + Vomiting

Acid-Base Balance Disturbance

Water-Electrolyte Balance Disturbance

Question 6

What Analytical Methods are Used for Investigating Potassium?

Answer 6

1. Flame Photometry
2. Potentiometer
3. Spectrophotometry

Question 7

1| What is Flame Photometry?

Answer 7

Light Emitted when Metal Ions are Tested

Indicating the Presence + Quantity

Different Metals = Different Colour + Intensity

Question 8

2| What is the Purpose of Potentiometer?

Answer 8

Measure Voltage

Question 9

3| What is the Purpose of Spectrophotometry?

Answer 9

Measure Amount of Light Absorbed

By Substance

Question 10

What is the Value of Hypokalaemia (DECREASED Potassium)?

Answer 10

LESS than 2.5 mmol / L

Question 11

What are the Causes of Hypokalaemia (DECREASED Potassium)?

Answer 11

Stress / Myocardial Infarction

Diuretics

Metabolic Acidosis

Hypomagnesemia

Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Vomiting

Question 12

What are the Causes of Hyperkalaemia (INCREASED Potassium)?

Answer 12

Increased Intake of Potassium

Massive Muscle Injury

Digitalis Intoxication

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Renal Failure

Addisonian Crisis