Potassium Disorders: Hypo- and Hyperkalemia

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are common causes of hyperkalemia. When severe, potassium disorders can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction disturbances and neuromuscular dysfunction. Therefore, the first priority is determining the need for urgent treatment through a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory, and electrocardiography findings.

It is important for the clinician to understand the indications for urgent treatment of hypo- or hyperkalemia, as well as the common methods of treatment (e.g., oral or IV potassium and/or insulin and glucose) and the pros and cons of each.