Final answer:
Extreme hypokalemia and hyperkalemia can have severe consequences on the function of the body, particularly the skeletal muscles, nervous system, and heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elevated potassium blood levels, known as hyperkalemia, can have severe consequences on the function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. In extreme cases, hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, where the heart fails to relax after contraction, causing it to seize and stop pumping blood. This can be fatal within minutes. Additionally, hyperkalemia can cause mental confusion, numbness, and weakened respiratory muscles due to its effects on the nervous system.
On the other hand, abnormally low potassium blood levels, called hypokalemia, can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias as well. However, other consequences of hypokalemia include hypertension, edema, respiratory alkalosis, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the hypokalemia and the affected individual's overall health.