Physiology of K+ balance

A laboratory exercise about the physiology of potassium ion (K+) balance was described and may be used by physiology teachers as a teaching tool. The exercise focused on three major elements of the K+ balance physiology: a case presentation of a diuretic-induced hypokalemia, renal handling of K+ and the total body K+ balance. The effects of diuretics on the secretion of K+ was also discussed. After conducting the exercise, an interactive discussion was held among the students to determine the extent of their acquired knowledge regarding the just concluded experiment.