The above sketch indicates that in case of low K+ In the blood (hypokalemia), K+ will leave the cell in an attempt to correct the hypokalemia. K+ is a positive ion. When a positive ion leaves the cell, H+ ion will move into the cell to compensate for the loss of positive charge inside. The shift of H+ into the cell lowers the level of hydrogen in the blood resulting in metabolic alkalosis. So, hypokalemia results in metabolic alkalosis.

In case of high potassium in the blood, K+ goes into the cell in an attempt to lower K+ level in the blood. H+ then leaves the cell to replace the positive ion out the cell. This results in an increase of H+ outside the cell, therefore causing the pH to drop. As a consequence, High K+ (hyperkalemia) causes metabolic acidosis.

Can you explain how Low H+ (Alkalosis) may cause hypokalemia? Study above figure.

Can you explain how High H+ (Acidosis) may cause hyperkalemia?

If you still have some difficulty to master this. Use this mnemonic HYPERKALEMIA = HIGH POTASSIUM ... can INDUCE HIGH H+ therefore HYPERKALEMIA CAN INDUCE METABOLIC ACIDOSIS HYPOKALEMIA = LOW POTASSIUM ... can induce LOW H+ therefore Hypokalemia can induce METABOLIC alkalois The same way HIGH HYDROGEN (ACIDOSIS) can induce HIGH POTASSIUM and LOW HYDROGEN (ALKALOSIS) can induce LOW POTASSIUM