How could potassium chloride poisoning occur?
Disease description:
The mother was hospitalized for over twenty days due to a cold, receiving intravenous infusions every day, nearly all of which contained potassium chloride. One day, the blood test results showed potassium chloride poisoning. How could this happen?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Mingxuan
Potassium chloride poisoning is caused by excessive intake. Taking a small amount of potassium chloride for a short period usually does not produce obvious clinical symptoms. However, if an excessive amount is ingested, the absorption of potassium in the blood exceeds the excretion rate, leading to elevated potassium levels in the body and resulting in corresponding clinical manifestations. Common symptoms include muscle weakness and fatigue. In severe cases, cardiac arrest may occur, ultimately leading to death.
