When the plasma potassium concentration exceeds 5.5 mmol/L, the condition is
called hyperkalemia. Higher potassium levels cause mental confusion, weakness,
numbness, slowed heart rates, and vascular collapse. Very high potassium levels are
fatal. Hyperkalemia occurs in dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis, massive intravas-
cular hemolysis, and violent muscular activity. The plasma potassium levels less
than 3.5 mmol/L lead to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is caused by prolonged diar-
rhea, vomiting, and also in renal tubular acidosis. The symptoms include muscle
weakness, irritability, paralysis, and cardiac arrest.
150 36 To Estimate Sodium and Potassium in Serum by Using Flame Photometer