Final answer:
Serum potassium levels outside the acceptable range of 3.0-6.0 mEq/L for dialysis patients can lead to hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, both of which can have serious health implications, especially for heart function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceptable potassium range for dialysis patients pre-treatment is 3.0-6.0 mEq/L. Serum potassium levels outside of these ranges can result in either hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia is characterized by abnormally decreased blood levels of potassium, which can lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other systemic effects. On the other hand, hyperkalemia is an elevated potassium blood level, which can impair the function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and especially the heart, potentially causing fatal cardiac arrhythmias. It is crucial for the maintenance of overall health and cellular function that potassium levels remain within this specified range, as potassium is the principal ion in intracellular fluid (ICF).