Hypokalemia can cause which of the following?

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Multiple Choice

Hypokalemia can cause which of the following?

Explanation:
Low potassium disrupts electrical activity in both the heart and skeletal muscles. Potassium helps set the resting membrane potential; when potassium levels fall, cardiac cells become more unstable, which can lead to arrhythmias, and skeletal muscle membranes become less excitable, causing cramps and weakness. This combination—cardiac rhythm disturbances plus muscle weakness and cramps—best fits the clinical effects of hypokalemia. Hypertension and weight gain aren’t classic symptoms of low potassium; they relate more to fluid balance and other metabolic factors. Hyperglycemia and polyuria aren’t direct results of hypokalemia either.

Low potassium disrupts electrical activity in both the heart and skeletal muscles. Potassium helps set the resting membrane potential; when potassium levels fall, cardiac cells become more unstable, which can lead to arrhythmias, and skeletal muscle membranes become less excitable, causing cramps and weakness. This combination—cardiac rhythm disturbances plus muscle weakness and cramps—best fits the clinical effects of hypokalemia.

Hypertension and weight gain aren’t classic symptoms of low potassium; they relate more to fluid balance and other metabolic factors. Hyperglycemia and polyuria aren’t direct results of hypokalemia either.

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