Hypokalemia – low serum potassium level
- Potassium levels of less than 3.5 mEq/L in the blood are diagnostic of hypokalemia
- Causes of hypokalemia may result from excessive loss due to diuretic use, severe vomiting, or diarrhea.
- These levels of potassium alter membrane potential, which may result in dizziness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and leg cramps.
- Decreased smooth muscle motility contributes to thirst, nausea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and abdominal distention.
