What is the primary treatment for hypokalemia?

The primary treatment for hypokalemia is to administer potassium supplements. Hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood, can lead to various complications including muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and overall dysfunction in cellular processes. When treating this condition, it's essential to restore potassium levels to a normal range.

Potassium supplements can be given in various forms, such as oral tablets or, in more severe cases, intravenously. This direct approach effectively increases potassium levels more rapidly and efficiently than other treatments.

Increasing calcium intake, using diuretics, or administering magnesium are not appropriate primary treatments for hypokalemia. While magnesium might play a role in cases where magnesium deficiency also contributes to potassium levels, and diuretics can sometimes lead to hypokalemia, they do not address the immediate need to replenish potassium itself. Therefore, administering potassium supplements directly targets the problem of low potassium levels, making it the correct treatment option.