Final answer:
Hypokalemia is the medical term for abnormally low levels of potassium in the plasma, which can occur from decreased intake or loss through gastrointestinal issues or redistribution in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
When there is a decreased plasma potassium (K) concentration, the condition is called hypokalemia. This condition can result from an absolute reduction of potassium in the body, such as from a decrease in dietary intake often due to starvation, or from losses through vomiting, diarrhea, or through a shift leading to a relative reduction resulting from potassium redistribution, such as what might occur during metabolic alkalosis. Contrary to hypokalemia, hyperkalemia is when the potassium levels in the blood are abnormally high, which can have serious effects on the muscles, nervous system, and heart.