Which lab value confirms hypokalemia?

Which lab value confirms hypokalemia?

• A. Potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L
• B. Potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L
• C. Sodium level below 120 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level above 9 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

Hypokalemia is determined by the potassium level being below the lower end of the normal range. The normal potassium range is about 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, so a value under 3.5 mEq/L confirms hypokalemia. The other options involve either an elevated potassium (hyperkalemia), a low sodium (hyponatremia), or a calcium level that, while outside the high end of normal for calcium, does not diagnose potassium deficiency.

Hypokalemia is determined by the potassium level being below the lower end of the normal range. The normal potassium range is about 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, so a value under 3.5 mEq/L confirms hypokalemia. The other options involve either an elevated potassium (hyperkalemia), a low sodium (hyponatremia), or a calcium level that, while outside the high end of normal for calcium, does not diagnose potassium deficiency.