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Potassium leaks out of platelets after clotting has occurred. A high white cell count (greater than 120,000/microL) in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia increases the fragility of red blood cells, thus causing pseudohyperkalemia during blood processing. This problem can be avoided by processing serum samples, because clot formation ...
Potassium resides mainly inside the cells of the body, so its concentration in the blood can range anywhere from 3.5 mEq/L to 5 mEq/L. [14] The kidneys are responsible for excreting the majority of potassium from the body. [14] This means their function is crucial for maintaining a proper balance of potassium in the blood stream.
The opposite state is called hyperkalemia that means high level of potassium in the blood serum. [1] The speed at which potassium should be replaced depends on whether or not there are symptoms or abnormalities on an electrocardiogram. [1] Potassium levels that are only slightly below the normal range can be managed with changes in the diet. [3]
Some patients also take potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone to help maintain potassium levels. [11] Paralysis attacks can be managed by drinking one of various potassium salts dissolved in water (debate exists over which, if any one in particular, is best used, but potassium chloride and bicarbonate are common).
During an adrenal crisis laboratory testing may show low sodium (hyponatremia), high potassium (hyperkalemia), high lymphocyte count (lymphocytosis), high eosinophils (eosinophilia), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and rarely high calcium (hypercalcemia). [8] In an adrenal crisis, hypotension occurs due to low cortisol and volume depletion. [9]
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. [1] Signs and symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, deep gasping breathing, increased urination, weakness, confusion and occasionally loss of consciousness. [1]
Cats can be affected by hyperaldosteronism. The most common signs in cats are muscle weakness and loss of eyesight, although only one of these signs may be present. [12] Muscle weakness is due to low potassium concentrations in the blood, and signs of muscle weakness, such as being unable to jump, may be intermittent. [12]