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Hypokalemia Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A low level of potassium in the blood is hypokalemia. Potassium is a mineral that is needed for your heart and muscle function in your body. It helps your body: ‚  
  • Keep blood pressure normal
  • Keep muscles, like the heart, working the right way
  • Stop too much calcium from being lost through your urine
  • Control the normal flow of nutrients between body fluids and cells

Your kidneys normally get rid of extra potassium. If they are not working well enough, the level of potassium in your blood will be too low. Some health problems or their treatment can cause problems with your potassium level. These include: ‚  
  • Kidney failure
  • Certain drugs or supplements
  • Serious illnesses like diabetes, some syndromes, or too much hormones
  • Too much throwing up, having loose stools, or passing too much urine
  • Sweating too much
  • Bleeding in the stomach

People who have a low blood potassium may have some signs or they may have none at all. You may notice: ‚  
  • Muscle weakness
  • Not able to have a bowel movement
  • Heart that beats in an unusual pattern
  • Tiredness
  • Paralysis that may affect the lungs

Your doctor will work to treat any hidden cause. You may need to have drugs help raise the potassium in your blood. You may be in the hospital until your levels are back to normal. You may be hooked to a heart monitor until your levels go back to a safe normal. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor will give you drugs to treat low potassium. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Your doctor may tell you to stop taking drugs that might be causing your low potassium levels. Do not stop taking drugs on your own.
  • Stay in a cool room to avoid too much sweating.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
  • Drink sports drinks that have potassium after a heavy workout.
  • Your doctor will talk to you about other care needed for the cause of your low potassium. Follow your doctors orders with care.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need another test to check the potassium level in your blood. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


Your doctor may order drugs to raise the amount of potassium in your blood. Take them as ordered. You may be able to take pills by mouth to raise your potassium level, but if it is too low, you may need to have I.V. replacement. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


Rest for the first few days. Avoid activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your own diet plan. Ask if you need to eat more of foods high in potassium. Some of them include bananas, Brazil nuts, broccoli, papaya, peanuts, potato skin, raisins, tomatoes, and sports drinks. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Throwing up
  • Feeling tired
  • Loose stools
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Cramping or twitching of the muscles
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis
  • Confusion

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what I will do to keep my potassium level up.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have cramping or twitching of my muscles.

Where can I learn more?


National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/748/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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