This major extracellular cation is found in large quantities outside of the cell.

Symptoms of this electrolyte imbalance include muscle cramps, weakness, ascending paralysis, bradycardia, and EKG changes.

If hypoalbuminemia is present in a blood panel, this electrolyte value may be falsely low.

This hyperkalemia treatment reduces blood potassium levels by stimulating the sodium-potassium pump and shifting potassium into cells.

Hypertonic saline is indicated as a treatment for this type of volume and electrolyte imbalance.