Hypokalemia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hypokalemia (hi-po-kah-LE-me-ah) is a condition where the level of potassium in your blood is lower than normal. Potassium is an electrolyte (mineral) that is normally found in the body and keeps your body working properly. Potassium helps control how your muscles, heart, and digestive system work by moving into and out of cells. Most potassium in the body is found inside the cells. Hypokalemia happens when too little potassium stays in the blood. A diet low in potassium or high in caffeine may decrease potassium levels. Kidney problems, diarrhea (loose bowel movement), vomiting (throwing up), or taking certain medicines may also cause hypokalemia.
  
  
• Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle twitching, cramps, weakness, or paralysis (cannot move). Your heart may beat faster or have an irregular beat. Blood potassium levels and an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be needed to diagnose hypokalemia. Treatment is by giving potassium supplements or replacements, and treating the cause of hypokalemia. With prompt and proper treatment, you have a greater chance of having a full recovery.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment of hypokalemia may cause unpleasant effects. Replacing a large potassium loss right away may cause hyperkalemia (too much potassium) and in turn cause heart problems. If left untreated, hypokalemia may worsen. It may cause problems in how the muscle moves, damage muscle tissues, and cause paralysis. With continuous decrease in blood potassium levels, the muscles that help you breathe may even be affected. You may also be at an increased risk of having heart problems. With treatment and careful watching of potassium levels, you may decrease the risks of having serious problems. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your condition, care, or treatment.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicine:

• Potassium: Potassium is a mineral that your body needs. This medicine may be given to increase the amount of potassium in your body.
  
  

Tests:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood gases: This is also called an arterial blood gas, or ABG. Blood is taken from an artery (blood vessel) in your wrist, arm, or groin. Your blood is tested for the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in it. The results can tell caregivers how well your lungs are working.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This test is also called an EKG or ECG. Sticky pads are placed on your skin to record your heart's electrical activity. An EKG gives information about how your heart is working. Lie as still as possible during the test.
  
  
• Serum potassium: Your blood will be checked for the level of potassium. You have hypokalemia if your blood potassium level is lower than 3.7 mmol/L (millimoles per liter).
  
  
• Urine tests: Your urine may need to be checked to look for other electrolytes that your body may be removing. It may also be checked to see how your kidneys are doing. Urine tests may give your caregivers more information about your health condition.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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