CVS Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What serum potassium level denotes severe hypokalemia?

3.0 mEq/L

3.5 mEq/L

2.0 mEq/L

Severe hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level that significantly deviates from normal ranges, which typically average around 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L in healthy adults. A serum potassium level of 2.0 mEq/L indicates a critical shortage of potassium in the body, posing severe health risks such as muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and even paralysis.

This level is far below the normal range and would warrant immediate medical attention. The implications of such a low potassium level include serious disturbances in cardiac function and overall metabolic balance. Understanding these thresholds is essential for healthcare professionals, as they guide the urgency of treatment and the management of electrolyte imbalances in patients.

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1.5 mEq/L

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