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Pathophysio

Potassium is essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential and muscle function. It is regulated by the kidneys which absorb potassium in the proximal tubule and actively excrete it in the distal tubule, controlled by aldosterone. Hyperkalemia can result if potassium is not effectively eliminated by the kidneys and leads to cardiac issues like ventricular fibrillation and impaired function of nerves, muscles and other organ systems, which can cause cardiac arrest or death if not addressed.

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Giselle Estoquia
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26 views1 page

Pathophysio

Potassium is essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential and muscle function. It is regulated by the kidneys which absorb potassium in the proximal tubule and actively excrete it in the distal tubule, controlled by aldosterone. Hyperkalemia can result if potassium is not effectively eliminated by the kidneys and leads to cardiac issues like ventricular fibrillation and impaired function of nerves, muscles and other organ systems, which can cause cardiac arrest or death if not addressed.

Uploaded by

Giselle Estoquia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Potassium

(inside the cell)


(extracellular Fluid)

Maintain cellular membrane potential Increase oral intake of potassium


Homeostasis of cell
Transmit action potentials in nerves Excess production of tissue breakdown

Eliminate Through: Ineffective elimination of potassium


>aldosterone
deficiency

Gastrointestinal >(kidney)
Kidney Sweat glands impaired
tract (excreted
controlled by HYPERKALEMIA
aldosterone)
Glomeruli
e

Increase extracellular potassium level


Absorb in proximal tubule Active excretion in distal
and loop of henle tube and collecting tube
(controlled by aldosterone)
Depolarization
>Inactivates sodium
channels

Refractory(Cells) >Open potassium

Impairment of neuromuscular

Impairment Cardiac >ventricular fibrillation,


Leads to: >abnormally slow heart
rhythms

Impairment Gastrointestinal
organ systems

Cardiac Arrest or Death

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