hypopotassemia

hypopotassemia /hy·po·po·tas·se·mia/ (-po″tah-se´me-ah) hypokalemia.

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hy·po·po·tas·se·mi·a (hp-p-t-sm-)

n.

See hypokalemia.

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hypopotassemia

[-pot′əsē′mē·ə]

Etymology: Gk, hypo + D, potasch, potash; Gk, haima, blood

a deficiency of potassium in the blood. See also hypokalemia.

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hypokalemia [hi″po-kah-le´me-ah]

abnormally low potassium concentration in the blood; see table of Electrolyte Imbalances at electrolyte. It may result from potassium loss through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract (vomiting or diarrhea), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with polyuria, increased adrenocortical secretion, steroid therapy, diuretic therapy, excessive diaphoresis, or burns or other injuries. The earliest signs are weakness and muscle cramps and numbness and tingling that usually begin in the lower extremities. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, which can further contribute to potassium deficit. Paralysis of the muscles of respiration can produce respiratory arrest. Neurologic involvement can lead to confusion, irritability, and coma. The heart is particularly sensitive to potassium deficiency. The electrocardiographic abnormalities presented are depression of the T wave and elevation of the U wave. Susceptibility to digitalis toxicity is increased when a patient has hypokalemia. Replacement of potassium can be accomplished by administration of potassium chloride, either orally or intravenously.

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hypopotassemia (hī´pōpot´-sē´mē),

n See hypokalemia.

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hypopotassemia

hypokalemia.

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hypopotassemia

Hypokalemia, see there