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.