Pathology - Hyopkalemia
Pathophysiology GI potassium losses have been produced by chronic diarrhea brought on by laxative overuse. The typical range for serum K is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Since the gradient of potassium concentration across cell membranes is necessary for the resting membrane potential, disorders involving the serum potassium have an impact on the function of excitable tissues. Weakness in the skeletal muscles and aberrant cardiac repolarization on the ECG are symptoms of low serum potassium, which leads to membrane hyperpolarization. Low renal K and Na excretion rules out a renal etiology and is a normal renal response to chronic diarrheal volume and potassium wasting. One typical cause of hypokalemia, which should be ruled out, is renal potassium loss from the use of diuretics. Renal potassium excretion rises physiologicly in response to testosterone, and if renal potassium excretion is high, hyperaldosteronism must also be ruled out. Since 98% of the potassium in the body is found in cells, changes in cellular potassium also have a significant impact on serum potassium. Key regulators of potassium shifts, insulin and beta-adrenergic stimulation, cause potassium to enter cells during meals and exercise, respectively; take notice that symptoms worsened during the recovery phase following exercise. In this instance, the only treatments are to stop taking laxatives and give potassium supplements orally.
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