Hypokalemia is most likely to cause which symptom?

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Prepare for the WGU NURS2001 D440 Health and Wellness Through Nutritional Science Exam. Study with detailed explanations and multiple-choice questions that enhance learning. Ace your WGU exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Hypokalemia is most likely to cause which symptom?

Explanation:
Potassium balance is essential for muscle and nerve cell excitability. When potassium is low, the resting membrane potential becomes more negative, making it harder for muscle cells to reach the threshold for depolarization. That reduced excitability leads to weaker muscle contractions, so muscle weakness is the most likely symptom. Increased muscle tone would imply stronger or more rigid muscle activity, which doesn’t fit hypokalemia. Rapid hair growth and bronze skin color aren’t effects of potassium deficiency and point to other conditions.

Potassium balance is essential for muscle and nerve cell excitability. When potassium is low, the resting membrane potential becomes more negative, making it harder for muscle cells to reach the threshold for depolarization. That reduced excitability leads to weaker muscle contractions, so muscle weakness is the most likely symptom.

Increased muscle tone would imply stronger or more rigid muscle activity, which doesn’t fit hypokalemia. Rapid hair growth and bronze skin color aren’t effects of potassium deficiency and point to other conditions.

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