Question 1

Hoping you can tell me, is constant low potassium level a sign of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Potassium balance is tightly regulated by the kidneys, so any potassium disorder implies some derangement in potassium intake or output. Low potassium could be due 1. To decreased intake, 2. Physiological shifts and 3. Increased loss in the stools or urine. It is best to consult nephrologist.

Question 2

Do doctors always give patients potassium-sparing drugs if the patient has low potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Always is probably too strong a word, but it is advisable. If that cannot be helped, then a potassium supplement should usually be prescribed as well.

Question 3

How do i decrease my potassium levels. renal and heart patient, am following a low potassium diet from dietician but potassium levels are stilll high?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium deficiency can cause low potassium, so I recommend taking a magnesium supplement containing 3 different forms of magnesium. You might also consider taking a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide as long as it doesn't make your renal function worse. Lasix would be better if you also have any evidence of CHF. Both drugs lower potassium.

Question 4

How safe is bisacodyl for heart patients? low potassium?

Accepted Answer

Bisacodyl is bowel-stimulating laxative, which alone should be a good choice for bowel prep for colon procdures or constipation after failing to dietary modification and will not affect electrolytes or heart conditions. Of course, it is most reasonable to ask your doctor for specifics since s/he knows more about your medical situations than anyone online. Best wish to health...

Question 5

Can low potassium cause fluid in the lungs of a heart patient? and how

Accepted Answer

Fluid in the lungs , in a heart patient , is usually the result of the heart dysfunction.A low potassium in a heart pt with lung fluid, can be caused by many factors in the treatment of the underlying heart disease.Ex. A diuretic is given to reduce the lung fluid but can cause a loss of potassium in the urine.

Question 6

Colace, miralax, (polyethylene glycol) or lactulose.  which is safer for heart patients who also have chronically low potassium?

Accepted Answer

Any of them are ok but you should watch for potassium.

Question 7

In a r phlebotomist who recently drew a bladder cancer patient.  the potassium result showed a false positive of 14.  what caused this result?

Accepted Answer

Since a potassium of 14 is incompatible withlife, the sample was undoubtedly hemolyzed. The only other thing that could drive the potassium to that high would be succinylcholine. Redraw the sample.

Question 8

I have chronically low potassium. is drinking coconut water safe? i drink 50 oz per day over the last few months & it has corrected my hypokalemia.

Accepted Answer

Coconut water is safe. It is likely that bananas will do the same good at lower cost.

Question 9

What are the causes of low potassium (hypokalemia)?

Accepted Answer

A low potassium level has many causes, some are due to decreased intake, some due to increase loss from the skin, gut eg loose stools, urine eg alcohol intake, tubular problems or magnesium deficiency.Others are due to shift of potassium into the cells.

Question 10

I have a low potassium problem and kidney stones problem. is my hypokalemia the cause of my kidney stones? or the other way?

Accepted Answer

These are not necessarily related, except for if you have what is called type 1 rta; in that case, innate kidney disease causes both low potassium (due to wasting) as well as kidney stone formation (low urine acid, high calcium excretion).

Low potassium levels in cancer patients

Hoping you can tell me, is constant low potassium level a sign of cancer?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

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Do doctors always give patients potassium-sparing drugs if the patient has low potassium levels?

How do i decrease my potassium levels. renal and heart patient, am following a low potassium diet from dietician but potassium levels are stilll high?

How safe is bisacodyl for heart patients? low potassium?

Can low potassium cause fluid in the lungs of a heart patient? and how

Colace, miralax, (polyethylene glycol) or lactulose. which is safer for heart patients who also have chronically low potassium?

In a r phlebotomist who recently drew a bladder cancer patient. the potassium result showed a false positive of 14. what caused this result?

I have chronically low potassium. is drinking coconut water safe? i drink 50 oz per day over the last few months & it has corrected my hypokalemia.

What are the causes of low potassium (hypokalemia)?

I have a low potassium problem and kidney stones problem. is my hypokalemia the cause of my kidney stones? or the other way?

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Low potassium levels in cancer patients

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