Hypokalemia can cause which neuromuscular symptom?

Hypokalemia can cause which neuromuscular symptom?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Tremors
• C. Paresthesias
• D. Seizures

Answer: (C)

Potassium helps set the resting membrane potential and governs how easily nerves and muscles can depolarize. When potassium is low, nerves can become irritable in a way that produces abnormal sensory perceptions, leading to tingling or numbness known as paresthesias. While weakness and fatigue are also common with low potassium, paresthesias specifically reflect altered nerve conduction tied to the electrolyte imbalance. Seizures are not typical for hypokalemia, and tremors are less characteristic, making paresthesias the most fitting neuromuscular symptom in this context.

Potassium helps set the resting membrane potential and governs how easily nerves and muscles can depolarize. When potassium is low, nerves can become irritable in a way that produces abnormal sensory perceptions, leading to tingling or numbness known as paresthesias. While weakness and fatigue are also common with low potassium, paresthesias specifically reflect altered nerve conduction tied to the electrolyte imbalance. Seizures are not typical for hypokalemia, and tremors are less characteristic, making paresthesias the most fitting neuromuscular symptom in this context.