Which may cause hyperkalemia?
A.
Renal failure
B.
Diarrhea
C.
Blood transfusion
D.
Diaphoresis
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Renal failure.
Explanation:
Hyperkalemia refers to an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood, typically defined as a serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium plays a critical role in cellular functions, particularly in maintaining the normal electrical activity of the heart and muscles.
Renal failure and hyperkalemia (Correct answer: A)
Renal failure is one of the most common causes of hyperkalemia. The kidneys are responsible for regulating potassium levels by excreting excess potassium in the urine. In renal failure, the kidneys lose their ability to filter and excrete waste products efficiently, including potassium. As a result, potassium accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to hyperkalemia. This condition can become life-threatening as high potassium levels can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which may lead to cardiac arrest.
Other options:
- B. Diarrhea: Diarrhea typically leads to hypokalemia (low potassium) rather than hyperkalemia. This is because potassium is lost through the gastrointestinal tract during episodes of excessive diarrhea, leading to a decrease in potassium levels.
- C. Blood transfusion: Blood transfusions can sometimes lead to hyperkalemia, particularly when older stored blood is used. Potassium tends to leak out of red blood cells in stored blood over time, and transfusing this blood can increase potassium levels. However, this is less common compared to renal failure as a cause of hyperkalemia.
- D. Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) leads to fluid and electrolyte loss, including potassium. However, the loss of potassium through sweat is generally minimal, and sweating is more likely to lead to hypokalemia (low potassium) rather than hyperkalemia.
Therefore, renal failure is the most prominent and direct cause of hyperkalemia among the given options.