AEMCA Practice Exam

What complications can arise from severe hypokalemia?

1. Heart failure and kidney stones

2. Muscle cramps and weakness

3. Diabetes and obesity

4. Allergic reactions

The correct answer is: Muscle cramps and weakness

Severe hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, can lead to a variety of complications primarily affecting the muscular and cardiac systems. One of the most notable complications is muscle cramps and weakness. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in muscle contraction and nerve function. When potassium levels fall significantly, it disrupts the electrical activity of muscles, leading to symptoms such as severe muscle cramps, weakness, and even paralysis in extreme cases. The connection between low potassium and muscle function is well documented in clinical literature, where muscle cells experience difficulties in depolarization and repolarization, ultimately resulting in decreased strength and coordination. This is particularly relevant during physical activity, where properly balanced electrolytes are crucial for optimal muscle performance. Other options mentioned do not have a direct correlation with severe hypokalemia. For instance, heart failure and kidney stones may be related to other electrolyte imbalances or medical conditions but are not the primary complications of low potassium levels. Similarly, diabetes and obesity are metabolic disorders that have different etiologies, and allergic reactions relate to immune responses rather than electrolyte levels. Therefore, muscle cramps and weakness are the primary symptoms and complications associated with hypokalemia, highlighting the importance of potassium in both