Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 40 : Potassium

Hyperkalemia

The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia are cardiac and central nervous system (CNS) depression. The heart signs include bradycardia and low heart sounds followed by peripheral vascular collapse, leading to cardiac arrest. The other symptoms are mental confusion, weakness, numbness, and flaccid paralysis of extremities. Marked elevation of serum K occurs in patients in the following conditions:

1. Renal failure;
   
2. Severe dehydration;
   
3. Addison’s disease due to decreased excretion of K by kidneys
4. Intravenous administration of excessive amount of potassium salts.