Discharge Instructions for Hypokalemia (Child)

Your child has been diagnosed with hypokalemia. This means a low level of potassium in their blood. Potassium helps the nerve and muscle cells function, including those in the heart. A low level of potassium in the blood can cause abnormal heart rhythms and even heart attack. Here's what you need to know about home care for your child.

• Encourage your child to eat more potassium-rich foods, such as:
  
  • Bananas.
  • Milk.
  • Oranges and orange juices.
  • Kiwis.
  • Raisins.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Spinach.
  • Dried fruit.
  • Cantaloupe.
  • White beans, canned.
  • Lima beans.
  • Potatoes.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Avocados.
  • Yogurt.
• Give your child a potassium supplement, as directed by their doctor.
• After strenuous exercise or any activity that causes your child to sweat a lot, give your child a drink that has high levels of potassium. This includes coconut water, orange juice, or low-sodium vegetable juices.
• If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, give them drinks or foods that contain potassium.
• Help your child stay away from foods that are high in salt. This includes canned and prepared foods that are high in salt.

• Make sure your child takes all their medicines exactly as directed.
• Tell your child's doctor about all the prescription and over-the counter medicines that your child is taking. This includes herbal preparations. Certain medicines can affect your child's potassium levels.

• Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised.
• Have your child's potassium levels checked regularly.
• Keep all follow-up appointments. Your child's doctor needs to watch your child's condition closely.

Call 911if your child has:

• A fast, irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching.
• Paralysis.

Contact your child's doctor right away if your child has:

• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
• Weakness.