Question

Potassium depletion

A. Can be detected by analysis of a biopsied sample of muscle.

B. Can result from loss of gastrointestinal secretions.

C. Causes increased activity of intestinal smooth muscle.

D. Exacerbates pre-existing acidosis.

E. Increases T wave amplitude in the electrocardiogram.

Answer 1

A. True Since most body potassium is intracellular.

B. True Gastrointestinal secretions are rich in potassium.

C. False Activity decreases and intestinal paralysis (paralytic ileus) may occur.

D. False K+ competes with H for excretion in the renal tubules; a low [K+] favours renal excretion of H+ ions and this would reduce the severity of acidosis.

E. False The amplitude of the T waves decreases.