Potassium Flashcards
What are the functions of potassium?
it is a major determinant of cell resting membrane potential, required for growth of protein chains within a ribosome, major role in acid base physiology
What is hypokalemia?
low blood K, often a sign of alkalosis
What is hyperkalemia?
high blood K, often a sign of acidosis
What is the normal extracellular fluid level of potassium?
3.2-5.7 mEq/L
What is the normal intracellular fluid level of potassium?
150 mEg/L
True or False: Regardless of the source more than 90% of diet K is absorbed
True
Where is potassium absorbed?
in the lower small intestine
What are diet sources of potassium?
plants (dependent on their soil K content), grains, forages, legumes and cool season grasses, warm season gases, milk, meat, egg
What are synthetic sources of potassium?
potassium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate
What are symptoms of potassium deficiency?
depletion of intracellular stores of potassium, generalized muscle weakness, hypokalemia
What are the side effects of hypokalemia?
slows the heart rate and can cause arrythmias
True or False: Hypokalemia does not necessarily reflect total body K content or adequacy of diet
True
What are symptoms of hyperkalemia?
cardiac arrythmias, weak contractions of the heart, rate might be increased
Why does hyperkalemia happen when an animal has acidosis?
the body tries to compensate for acidosis by shifting potassium from the inside of cells to extracellular fluids
Why can renal failure cause hyperkalemia?
the body cannot get rid of K in the urine
