In hypokalemia, which electrolyte should be corrected if it is low?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards

From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Electrolytes and Endocrine Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for each query to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

In hypokalemia, which electrolyte should be corrected if it is low?

When potassium is low, correcting magnesium is essential because low magnesium drives potassium loss and makes potassium replacement less effective. Magnesium is needed for proper activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase and for inhibiting renal potassium wasting. In hypomagnesemia, the distal nephron increases potassium secretion through channels like ROMK, so potassium is lost in the urine even if you give potassium. Restoring magnesium helps restore intracellular potassium handling and reduces renal potassium loss, allowing potassium repletion to work. Sodium, calcium, and phosphate are important in other contexts, but they don’t address the mechanism that sustains hypokalemia.

In hypokalemia, which electrolyte should be corrected if it is low?

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Electrolytes and Endocrine Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for each query to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam!

In hypokalemia, which electrolyte should be corrected if it is low?

Get the latest from Examzify