Medical Diagnosis Exams

Electrolytes are involved in most major metabolic functions in the body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are amongst the most important physiological ions and the most often assayed electrolytes.

They are supplied primarily through the diet, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract  and excreted by the kidneys. Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is critical to neural and muscle cell activity.

Some causes of decreased potassium levels include reduced intake of dietary potassium or excessive loss of potassium from the body by prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or increased kidney excretion.

Increased potassium levels may be caused by dehydration or shock, severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis, and retention of potassium by the kidney.