Potassium

The "Blackwell's Basics in Medicine" series deals with fluids and electrolyte balance. Each title addresses one particular topic. The first deals with salt and water, with a further title on acid base. This book deals with potassium. The series goes on to cover organ pathphysiology with titles on renal failure and heart failure using the Socratic method. The series follows a standard structure comprising brief questions (progressing from the simple to the more complex) followed by short answers. Case presentations teach the fundamentals of fluid and electrolyte balance, and illustrate the various topics presented. The approach is based on solid pathophysiological knowledge applied to basic medical principles, enabling the reader to interpret clinical data based on sound pathophysiological concepts, and thus provide better patient care.