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Hypokalemia (defined as a serum potassium level of less than 3.5 mmol/L) is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities encountered in clinical practice with more than 20% of hospitalized patients affected and approximately 40% of ICU patients. Hypokalemia reflects either total body potassium depletion or redistribution from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid without potassium depletion. The most common causes include:
Note: Increased potassium loss (through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract) is the most common cause of hypokalemia.
Diagnostic workup:
Examples of symptoms by system due to hypokalemia: Cardiovascular System:
Kidney:
Neuromuscular:
Gastrointestinal tract:
Genitourinary tract:
Respiratory System:
Endocrine System: