Final answer:
Potassium is essential for physiological functions and influences renal function by regulating ECF volume and blood pressure. Hyperkalemia, or elevated blood potassium levels, can cause muscle paralysis, cardiac arrest, and mental confusion. Normal blood potassium levels range between 14-20 mg/100 ml.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of Potassium on Renal Function and Hyperkalemia
Potassium is crucial for various physiological functions, particularly for maintaining the membrane potential in muscle and nerve cells. It is predominantly an intracellular ion but also has significant effects on renal function. Potassium impacts renal function by regulating the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume and blood pressure through its exchange with sodium in the renal tubules. This exchange process is highly influenced by the hormone aldosterone, which promotes the excretion of potassium into the urine. Adequate potassium balance is critical for preventing both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can have severe effects on the body, particularly the heart. It can cause partial depolarization of the plasma membrane of muscles and neurons, and in the heart, it can cause the heart to not relax after a contraction, which could result in cardiac arrest. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis, mental confusion, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
The normal potassium level in the blood is between 14-20 mg/100 ml. It's worth noting that erythrocytes contain high amounts of potassium to prevent hemolysis. Serum potassium levels can decrease during increased carbohydrate utilization, following administration of glucose or insulin, and are also lowered by the action of aldosterone.