A patient is admitted with severe hypokalemia.On admission the patient's laboratory values are serum K⁺,2.2 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen (BUN),15 mg/dL; and creatinine,1.2 mg/dL.Urine output is averaging 45 mL/h.The patient is given a total of 80 mEq of potassium over 4 hours.The potassium level is repeated and the result is K⁺,2.4 mEq/L.What other information would be beneficial at this time?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The levels of other intracellular electrolytes,such as calcium and potassium,are affected by the level of magnesium.The most important functions of magnesium are ensuring the transport of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane and as a co-factor in many intracellular enzyme reactions.Depletion of magnesium liberates potassium to the extracellular fluid,which causes an increase in the excretion of potassium by the kidney and hypokalemia.If the patient has a low magnesium level,it could explain the lack of response to the potassium infusions.The other levels have little effect on serum potassium level or its response to infusions.

A Patient Is Admitted with Severe Hypokalemia