Definition. CO2 is carbon dioxide. This article discusses the laboratory test to measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.
Potassium can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal gas, and other side effects. Too much potassium is UNSAFE and can cause feelings of burning or tingling, generalized weakness, paralysis, listlessness, dizziness, mental confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and death.
Effects of changing K+ concentration. altering either the intracellular or extracellular K+ concentration has substantial effects on the resting membrane potential, and therefore on the ability of neurons and muscle cells to reach action potential threshold. HYPERKALEMIA = elevated plasma (extracellular fluid) K+ concentration caused by: increased intake. decreased renal elimination renal failure. adrenal disease (alters function of hormones that regulate kidney function) medications that alter kidney function angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.