A deficiency of potassium in the blood.
The reference range for serum potassium level is 3.5-5 mEq/L, with total body potassium stores of approximately 50 mEq/kg (ie, approximately 3500 mEq in a 70-kg person).
Hypokalemia is defined as a potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Moderate hypokalemia:
serum level of 2.5-3 mEq/L.
Severe hypokalemia:
serum level less than 2.5 mEq/L.
Common symptoms:
Causes:
Renal losses
G.I. losses
Medication effects
Transcellular shift
Malnutrition or decreased dietary intake, parenteral nutrition
hy·po·ka·le·mia
Etymology: New Latin, from
hypo- +
kalium potassium (from
kali alkali, from
Arabic qily
saltwort) + -emia
Date: 1949
- hy·po·ka·le·mic /-mik/ adjective