A condition due to decreased dietary intake of potassium, as in starvation or failure to administer in intravenous solutions, or to gastrointestinal loss in diarrhea, chronic laxative abuse, vomiting, gastric suction, or bowel diversion. Severe potassium deficiency may produce muscular weakness and lead to paralysis and respiratory failure. Muscular malfunction may result in hypoventilation, paralytic ileus, hypotension, muscle twitches, tetany, and rhabomyolysis. Nephropathy from potassium deficit impairs the concentrating mechanism, producing POLYURIA and decreased maximal urinary concentrating ability with secondary POLYDIPSIA. (Merck Manual, 16th ed)

Condition due to decreased dietary intake of potassium, as in starvation or failure to administer in intravenous solutions, or to gastrointestinal loss; severe potassium deficiency may produce muscular weakness and lead to paralysis and respiratory failure; muscular malfunction may result in hypoventilation, paralytic ileus, hypotension, muscle twitches, tetany, and rhabomyolysis; nephropathy from potassium deficit impairs the concentrating mechanism.

Potassium deficiency, condition in which potassium is insufficient or is not utilized properly. Potassium is a mineral that forms positive ions (electrically charged particles) in solution and is an essential constituent of cellular fluids. The relationship between potassium and the metabolism of...