Hypokalemia.

Hypokalemia is a condition that occurs when an individual’s serum potassium falls to 3.5 mEq/L or below. The condition has life-threatening potential due to the electrolytic imbalance of cells. A lack of sufficient potassium for even a short time can also result in heart damage and death. Causes can vary but a major etiology is excess fluid loss secondary to diuretics. Potassium is not retained with large volume fluid loss. The same results can occur with vomiting and diarrhea.