Normal potassium

The following factors are the equivalent of 1 mL of normal potassium dichromate. Where the normality of the solution being used is other than normal, multiply the factors given in the table below by the normality of the solution employed. 

The normal potassium level in the blood plasma is 17 mg%. Express this concentration in terms of milliequivalents/liter. 

Pharmacology Potassium participates in a number of essential physiological processes, such as maintenance of intracellular tonicity and a proper relationship with sodium across cell membranes, cellular metabolism, transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle, acid-base balance, and maintenance of normal renal function. Normal potassium serum levels range from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. 

Activated charcoal adsorbs salicylate effectively, and has been given in repeated oral doses (50 g 4 hourly) to enhance clearance, although its effect on outcome is unknown. Fluid and electrolyte replacement are important and special care should be taken to maintain normal potassium concentrations. Patients with signs of poisoning, especially when plasma salicylate concentration exceeds 500 mg/1, should receive specitic elimination therapy. 

In 1770 C. W. Scheele showed that the natural product cream of tartar is a salt with a vegetable alkaline base (potash) supersaturated with a vegetable acid (tartaric). When he dissolved cream of tartar [potassium acid tartrate] in boiling water and added powdered chalk to the solution, the lime combined with part of the tartaric acid and gave a copious white precipitate. On evaporating the supernatant liquid he obtained crystals of soluble tartar [normal potassium tartrate] (9, 10). 

In the tube T, place a solution of potassium hydrogen sulfate saturated at about 0° or made by saturating a solution of sulfuric acid of density 1.3 with normal potassium sulfate, K2S04. Fill the beaker B with ice and water. Use three storage cells and secure a voltage across the terminals of about 6.75 volts and a current density of 1 amp. per square centimeter. 

In the manner described in the preceding exercises, prepare a gel of equal parts of sodium silicate (density, 1.06) and 1-normal acetic acid, adding 2 cc. of normal lead acetate for every 25 cc. of the mixture. Prepare the gel in half-filled test tubes and when it has set add to each tube a layer of a solution of 2-normal potassium iodide. A compact layer of lead iodide gradually forms just below the surface of the gel, followed by growths of fernlike and hexagonal crystals. 

Selenotrithionic Acid, H2SeS20B.—In the preparation of potassium selenosulphate as just described, a certain small amount of a potassium selenotrithionate, K2SeS2O0, is obtained, which generally crystallises first on evaporation of the solution at the ordinary temperature. The yield is much better if potassium hydrogen sulphite is also present with the selenium and normal potassium sulphite.2... 

Quantitative Determinations. - Dilute 10 gm. of acetic acid with sulIioieuL water to make 100 eft. Titrate 10 cc. of this solution with normal potassium hydroxide solution, using phenolphthalciu as the indicator. 

Quantitative Determination. — Dilute 5 gm. of hydriodic acid with 50 cc. of water and titrate with normal potassium hydroxide solution, using methyl orange as indicator. At least 17 cc. of the normal alkali solution must be required to effect the change in color. 

Quantitative Determination. — Dissolve 1 gm. of hydroxyl-amine hydrochloride in 30 cc. of water, and titrate the solution with normal potassium hydroxide to permanent redness, using plienolphthalein as indicator. 

This ferrous sulphate solution is standard toed against semi-normal potassium permanganate solution on t.ho same day, using the same pipette. 

---