If cells are injured or poisoned, and the sodium pump fails, the cell dies. The daily requirement for sodium in a 15 lb. It is responsible, along with sodium, for maintaining the cell potential. If the Potassium outside the cell varies from normal by more than 3 meq up or down, the heart may stop. In administering IV potassium, the rate of infusion must be carefully monitored.
Rapid infusion can kill.
Potassium should not be given without constant laboratory monitoring if the kidney function is impaired. The daily requirement for Potassium in a 15 lb. From this table you can see how different the electrolyte composition is inside and outside the cells, and the quantities of these ions that can be lost with vomiting and diarrhea. Remember that unless the ratios of intracellular and extracellular components can be maintained, all electrical activity will stop, -heart, brain, breathing.