Word parts
What it means
Too little potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry in the blood. Common causes are loop and thiazide diuretics such as furosemidefyoo-ROH-suh-mideA loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.Full entry , vomiting, diarrhea and nasogastric suction. Low potassium causes muscle weakness and cramps, constipation and heart rhythm changes, and it makes a client taking digoxindih-JOK-sinA drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.Full entry more likely to become toxic.
For the nurse
Watch the cardiac monitor and report a falling level. Oral potassium is given with food and a full glass of water; IV potassium is always diluted and run on a pump, never pushed.
Remember it
Hypo is low, like a hypodermic needle going under the skin.
At a glance
| Spanish | hipopotasemia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hypokalaemia, hypokalemic |
Easy to confuse with
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
furosemide
A loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.
digoxin
A drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.