Potassium (The Second Macromineral)

Question 1

RDA of potassium

Answer 1

100 mmol/day

Question 2

Sources of potassium

Answer 2

Meat and vegetables, flour, milk, citrus fruits, bananas and dry fruits

Question 3

Outputs of potassium

Answer 3

Feces and urine (Kidneys excrete potassium to keep the ECF conc. low)

Question 4

Normal range of potassium

Answer 4

3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L

Question 5

At what stage is potassium concentration dangerous?

Answer 5

6.0 mmol/L

Question 6

Why is potassium important?

Answer 6

Critical for nerve and muscle cells

Question 7

What conditions may cause hyperkalemia?

Answer 7

Kidneys are unable to excrete potassium when the body is in shock
Acute kidney failure
Chronic kidney disease
In crush injuries - K+ is released from the muscles
In anuria when excretion is impaired
In Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)

Question 8

What are the causes of hypokalemia?

Answer 8

Reduced K+ absorption in GIT or lost due to protracted vomiting or diarrhea
Kidneys excrete more due to diuretics or aldosterone
In disturbances of acid-base metabolism - acidosis brings K+ out of cells and alkalosis takes K+ into cells

Question 9

What are the symptoms of hypokalemia?

Answer 9

Levels below 3.6 mmol/L: Fatigue, malaise, cramping or weakness of skeletal muscles, palpitations, constipation
Levels below 2.5 mmol/L: Is life-threatening and may cause paralysis, respiratory failure, breakdown of muscle tissue, lazy bowels
In more severe cases: Abnormal heart rhythms may occur. Most common in people on digitalis medications (digoxin).

Question 10

How may hypokalemia be treated?

Answer 10

Oral potassium replacement