Question

In relative loss with hypokalemia, potassium shifts where?

Answer 1

In relative loss with hypokalemia, potassium shifts from the blood to the inside of cells, often triggered by insulin administration that facilitates glucose and potassium uptake by cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

In relative loss with hypokalemia, potassium shifts from the blood to the inside of the cells. This shift can be due to multiple factors, including the action of insulin in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. When insulin is administered, it promotes glucose uptake by cells, and potassium is also carried along into the cell, decreasing blood and interstitial fluid (IF) potassium levels.

Potassium is significantly more concentrated inside cells than outside, usually by a 30-fold gradient. The movements of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are generally inverse to each other due to the activity of the sodium-potassium pump and other cell membrane channels. Shifts in potassium are influenced by the cellular uptake of glucose, especially during insulin administration, which reduces the concentration of potassium in the extracellular fluid (ECF).

Answer 2

In hypokalemia, potassium shifts from the blood to the intracellular fluids (ICF) due to the redistribution of potassium.

Step-by-step explanation:

In hypokalemia, there is a relative reduction of potassium in the blood due to the redistribution of potassium. Potassium shifts from the blood to the intracellular fluids (ICF). This occurs because potassium is more concentrated inside the cell compared to outside the cell. The movement of potassium is influenced by factors like insulin, glucose uptake by cells, and the activity of the sodium-potassium pump.