Potassium is largely an intracellular ion. Plasma potassium levels are not always a good indicator of intracellular levels; in acidosis the exchange of H+ and K+ ions leads to the depletion of intracellular potassium and elevated plasma potassium. The converse occurs in alkalosis. | Potassium is largely an intracellular ion. Plasma potassium levels are not always a good indicator of intracellular levels; in acidosis the exchange of H+ and K+ ions leads to the depletion of intracellular potassium and elevated plasma potassium. The converse occurs in alkalosis. |