Potassium (M)

Question 1

What is the chemical symbol for potassium?

Answer 1

K+

Question 2

What is the other name of potassium?

Answer 2

Kalium / K

Question 3

What are the characteristics of K?

Answer 3

1) It is the most abundant intracellular cation
2) It is the chief counterbalance of Na
3) It is a lethal electrolyte

Question 4

What are the fxns of K?

Answer 4

1) Neuromuscular excitability
2) Contraction of heart
3) ICF volume
4) Hydrogen ion conc.

Question 5

What are the abnormalities (in terms of lvls) of K?

Answer 5

1) Hypokalemia

2) Hyperkalemia

Question 6

What are the sx considerations for K?

Answer 6

1) Serum, heparinized plasma, and urine can be used as sxs
2) Exercise and prolonged standing of the pt can affect the pt’s K lvls
a. Mild to moderate exercise: 0.3 - 1.2 mmol/L
b. Vigorous exercise / fist clenching: 2 - 3 mmol/L
3) Artifactual hyperkalemia
4) Do not store in cold temps

Question 7

What is the test principle (/ principle of K determination) of K (/ K determination)?

Answer 7

The amount of potassium is determined by using sodium tetraphenylboron in a specifically prepared mixture to produce a colloidal suspension. The turbidity of which is proportional to potassium concentration

Question 8

What is the volume of working rgnt (/ K working rgnt) used in K determination?

Answer 8

1,000 uL

Question 9

What is the volume of sx used in K determination?

Answer 9

10 uL

Question 10

What is the method (/ steps) of K determination?

Answer 10

1) Prep 3 tubes
a. Blank
b. Standard
c. Unknown
2) Add K working rgnt in all tubes
3) Add sx in all tubes
4) Mix and incubate for 3 mins
5) Read and record A at 500 nm (if spectrophotometer is used | can also be read via the use of semi-automated analyzer)

Question 11

What is the normal reference range for K?

Answer 11

3.4 - 5.3 mmol/L