Which condition is a symptom of hypokalemia?
Weight gain
Hypertension
Muscle weakness
Diarrhea
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is muscle weakness.
Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium (K⁺) in the blood. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte in the body, essential for maintaining proper cell function, including muscle and nerve cell function. When potassium levels fall below normal, a variety of symptoms can arise due to its role in electrical conductivity and muscle contractions.
Muscle weakness is a common and significant symptom of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a key role in generating electrical impulses in muscles. Low potassium levels disrupt normal muscle function, leading to weakness, fatigue, and cramping. This can be particularly noticeable in the skeletal muscles, and in severe cases, it may even affect respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. The weakness typically worsens with physical activity and can be exacerbated by conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications like diuretics that increase potassium loss.
Other symptoms of hypokalemia can include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which occur because potassium is essential for maintaining the electrical activity of the heart. Hypertension or high blood pressure is not typically a direct symptom of hypokalemia but can occur if the body responds to low potassium by retaining sodium, which leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
Weight gain and diarrhea are not typical symptoms of hypokalemia. Weight gain may occur due to fluid retention in conditions like kidney disease, whereas diarrhea can result in potassium loss, but it is not a direct symptom of hypokalemia.
The most reliable symptoms of hypokalemia are related to the neuromuscular system, including muscle weakness, cramps, and, in severe cases, paralysis or respiratory failure. Therefore, muscle weakness is the key symptom to watch for.