Which statement about hypokalemia is correct?

Which statement about hypokalemia is correct?

• A. Blood potassium over 5.1 mEq/L.
• B. pH above 7.45.
• C. Hypernatremia.
• D. Blood potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L; can cause muscle problems and slow GI.

Answer: (D)

Hypokalemia means a low potassium level in the blood, typically defined as less than 3.5 mEq/L. When potassium falls, skeletal muscles become less excitable, leading to weakness, fatigue, and cramps, and smooth muscle in the GI tract slows down, causing decreased motility and constipation or ileus. The statement that potassium is below 3.5 mEq/L and that this condition can cause muscle problems and slow GI fits these findings, making it the correct description. The other statements describe different conditions: a potassium level above 5.1 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia; a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalemia (not potassium level); and hypernatremia refers to high sodium, not potassium.

Hypokalemia means a low potassium level in the blood, typically defined as less than 3.5 mEq/L. When potassium falls, skeletal muscles become less excitable, leading to weakness, fatigue, and cramps, and smooth muscle in the GI tract slows down, causing decreased motility and constipation or ileus. The statement that potassium is below 3.5 mEq/L and that this condition can cause muscle problems and slow GI fits these findings, making it the correct description.

The other statements describe different conditions: a potassium level above 5.1 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia; a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalemia (not potassium level); and hypernatremia refers to high sodium, not potassium.