PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is usually the cause of hypokalemia?

1. Potassium retention

2. Potassium loss

3. High potassium intake

4. Fluid overload

The correct answer is: Potassium loss

Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is primarily caused by potassium loss. This can occur through various mechanisms, including prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or the use of certain diuretics that promote the excretion of potassium. In these situations, the body loses potassium faster than it can be replenished through diet or other means. Potassium retention, high potassium intake, or fluid overload would not typically lead to hypokalemia. Potassium retention would actually increase potassium levels, high potassium intake could cause hyperkalemia in excess, and fluid overload could dilute potassium but would not directly cause a deficit in potassium stores. Thus, it is the loss of potassium from the body's systems that leads to hypokalemia.