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.