Final answer:
Fat malabsorption can lead to weight loss and essential fatty acid deficiency but is not directly associated with the loss of sodium and potassium. It is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones due to the formation of insoluble calcium soaps from unabsorbed fatty acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition of fat malabsorption is associated with a variety of symptoms and consequences, but not all the options provided are correct. Fat malabsorption can lead to weight loss as the body is unable to utilize dietary fats as a source of calories effectively. It can also cause essential fatty acid deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as dry and scaly skin, poor wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections. Regarding the option of loss of sodium and potassium, it is not typically a direct result of fat malabsorption; instead, excessive losses of these electrolytes are often associated with conditions such as prolonged vomiting and diarrhea or chronic renal disease.
One potential consequence of fat malabsorption is an increased risk of kidney stones. This happens because when fat absorption is impaired, there is an excess of free fatty acids in the intestines. These fatty acids can bind with calcium to form insoluble soaps, which are excreted in the feces, reducing the availability of calcium and leading to an increased risk of kidney stones due to the unabsorbed calcium from the intestines.