-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
chemistry screen
potassium
diagnoses

definition

reference ranges:
standard: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
healthy: 3.8-4.8 mEq/L

conditions that can exhibit an increase in potassium:
Kidney failure (oliguria or anuria); Decreased mineralocorticoid activity (Addison's disease, pseudohypoaldosteronism, impairment of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system); Increased potassium supply (RBC hemolysis, excessive dietary ingestion, fluid-electrolyte imbalance, sudden cell breakdown: trauma, burns, lab artifact); Chronic respiratory dysfunction (emphysema).

conditions that can exhibit a decrease in potassium:
Kidney and adrenal disorders with metabolic alkalosis (diuretic therapy, primary aldosteronism, Cushing's disease); Kidney disorders associated with metabolic acidosis (renal tubular acidosis, chronic pyelonephritis); Gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting; colon cancer; chronic laxative abuse, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, chronic diarrhea); Diet low in potassium; hypertension.


footnotes