Mr. E, age 53, has a history of alcoholism and went to his physician because of...

Mr. E, age 53, has a history of alcoholism and went to his physician because of recent anorexia, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as heart palpitations and fatigue. He has been taking his diuretic tablet, but not his vitamin and mineral supplement. An ECG and blood tests indicate hypokalemia.

Discuss the possible factors contributing to his electrolyte imbalance and the rationale for his signs and symptoms.

What are the signs of hypokalemia, and why is it important to identify potassium imbalances quickly?

What is the role of potassium in cardiac function?

Expert Solution

The possible factors contributing to his electrolyte imbalances are

Diarrhea
Use of diuretics
Lack of taking mineral supplements
Alcohol

The symptoms like nausea, ,diarrhea, heart palpitations, fatigue is because of low potassium levels in the blood called as hypokalemia.

The diarrhea will lead to fluid loss which also will lead to loss of electrolytes like potassium and decrease the intracellular levels. Along with this the effect of diuretics will tend to excrete the electrolyte level resulting in decreased potassium levels.This decrease in the blood will also symptoms of hypokalemia.

The signs and symptoms of hypokalemia are

GIT:nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
CVS:tachycardia, palpitations ,arrhythmia
Respiratory:dyspnea
Musculoskeletal:tingling sensation,muscle weakness ,twisting , cramps, muscle spasms

It is important to identify electrolyte imbalance quickly because this imbalance can affect the functions of vital organs like heart ,lungs and kidney leading fatal events and even death.It can alter the function of heart and lead to cardiac arrest

Potassium are an important component of the cell.They involve in the sodium potassium exchange. It stimulates the production of electrical potential in the nerve cells. This electrical potential is essential for tte contraction of the muscle in the heart.When there us decreased potassium thus contraction will not happen resulting in cardiac arrest and death.

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