Potassium (K+) Lab Values
Sep 20, 2023•5 min
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Episode description
Normal 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Indications
- Evaluate:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Monitor patients who are:
- Acidotic
- Receiving diuretic therapy
Description
Potassium (K+) is the most abundant intracellular cation and plays a vital role in the transmission of electrical impulses in cardiac and skeletal muscle. It plays a role in acid base equilibrium. In states of acidosis hydrogen will enter the cell which will force potassium out of the cell. A 0.1 decrease in pH will cause a 0.5 increase in K+.
What would cause increased levels?
- Renal failure
- Hypoaldosteronism
- Addison's disease
- Injury to tissues
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Ketoacidosis
- Hyperventilation
- Acidosis
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Burns
What would cause decreased levels?
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Excess insulin
- Alkalosis
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cushing Syndrome
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