Alternative Names & Classifications:
Hypokalemia (CLINICAL)
Description
Potassium is the primary intracellular electrolyte essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential, nerve conduction, and normal muscle contraction. Hypokalemia rarely occurs strictly from poor diet; it is more commonly caused by fluid loss through severe vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretic medication use. The systemic inability to properly conduct electrical signals affects almost every major organ system.