solution

A serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L is known as (hypokalemia/hyperkalemia) ___________________ and a serum potassium level above 5.3 mEq/L is called ________________ Cardiac arrest may occur if the serum potassium level is less than 2.5 mEq/L or greater than 7.0 mEq/L. Too little potassium ( 3.5 mEq/L) changes the conduction rate of nerve impulses to the heart, causing dysrhythmia. Also too much potassium ( 5.3 mEq/L) can cause irritability of the heart muscle, increasing and then decreasing the heart rate.

Match the serum potassium levels on the left with the type of potassium imbalance or balance.

1. 3.7 mEq/L       a. Hypokalemia

2. 4.8 mEq/L       b. Hyperkalemia

3. 5.9 mEq/L       c. Normal

4. 2.7 mEq/L

5. 3.1 mEq/L

6. 6.8 mEq/L