Potassium

what is potassium?

major intracellular cation essential for cardiac electrical conduction, nerve impulses, and muscle contraction

normal range for potassium?

3.5-5.0 mEq/L

potassium below ___ is called hypokalemia

3.5 mEq/L

potassium above ___ is called hyperkalemia

5.0 mEq/L

when is potassium an emergency?

serum potassium <2.5 mEq/L or >6.5 mEq/L due to risk of lethal dysrhythmias

where is potassium mostly located?

intracellular fluid (ICF)

what does potassium do for the heart?

it’s essential for normal cardiac electrical conduction

what does potassium do for nerves?

it facilitates nerve impulse transmission

what does potassium do for muscles?

drives skeletal and smooth muscle contraction

• supports normal GI motility

potassium helps regulation of ____

acid-base balance

how do sodium and potassium relate?

often inverse relationship

• higher sodium tends to pair with lower potassium and vice versa

major dietary sources of potassium

• fruits and vegetables

• dried peas and beans

• whole grains

• milk

• meats

why does potassium balance matter so much?

imbalances can trigger dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias and multi-system effects