Discharge Instructions for Hypokalemia (Pediatric)
Discharge Instructions for Hypokalemia (Pediatric)
Your child has been diagnosed with hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the 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.
Diet changes
Encourage your child to eat more of these potassium-rich foods:
Bananas
Milk
Oranges
Tomatoes
Spinach
Dried fruit
Cantaloupe
Peas
Dry beans
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Avocados
Give your child a potassium supplement as directed by the healthcare provider.
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, like coconut water, orange juice, or low-sodium vegetable juices
Be sure to give your child food or drinks that contain potassium if he or she has diarrhea or vomiting.
Help your child avoid foods that are high in salt. Avoid canned and prepared foods that are high in salt.
Medicine
Make sure your child takes all medicines exactly as directed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the counter medicines your child is taking. This includes herbal preparations.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment, or as directed.
Have your child’s potassium levels checked regularly.
Keep all follow-up appointments. Your child’s healthcare provider needs to monitor your child’s condition closely.
When to call your child's healthcare provider
Call your child’s provider right away if your child has any of the following:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Fatigue or weakness
Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching
Paralysis
Updated:  
October 12, 2017
Sources:  
Hypokalemia in children, Up To Date, Pepin, J. Advances in Diagnosis and management of Hypokalemic and Hyperkalemic Emergencies. Emergency Medicine Practice 92012); 14(2); pp. s1-s17
Reviewed By:  
Adler, Liora, C., MD,Wilkins, Joanna, RD, CD