ABSTRACT
Potassium (K+) is the most abundant intracellular cation. Approximately 98% of the total body K+ content in the adult is located within cells, primarily muscle, where its concentration ranges from 100 to 150 mEq/L. e remaining 2% of the total body K+ content resides in the extracellular uid (ECF). In the ECF, the K+ concentration, generally ranging from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L in the adult, is tightly regulated by mechanisms that govern the internal distribution between the intracellular uid (ICF) and EFC compartments and external balance between intake and output via the kidney and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
