Etymed
hypokalemia
Definition
A medical condition characterized by abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with severe muscle weakness and palpitations. The patient has been taking furosemide for heart failure management and reports feeling dizzy and fatigued. Laboratory tests reveal a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, confirming the diagnosis of hypokalemia. The patient's ECG shows prominent U waves and ST depression.
Mnemonic
Hypokalemia causes HYPOTENSION, HYPOTONIA, and HYPOTONIC muscles - 'H's everywhere!