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