Final answer:
Increased aldosterone secretion exacerbates hypokalemia caused by vomiting by promoting potassium excretion in the urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the bloodstream, can be exacerbated by increased aldosterone secretion. Vomiting causes loss of stomach acids, leading to metabolic alkalosis. This in turn stimulates the secretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone increases reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys while promoting excretion of potassium, further lowering blood potassium levels. Therefore, among the provided options, increased aldosterone secretion is the factor that worsens hypokalemia following vomiting.
On the contrary, decreased renal potassium excretion would tend to conserve potassium, thus countering hypokalemia. Increased gastrointestinal potassium absorption and increased potassium intake would also mitigate hypokalemia rather than exacerbate it.
The final answer in two line explanation for the exacerbation of hypokalemia caused by vomiting is: a) Increased aldosterone secretion. This happens because aldosterone promotes potassium excretion in the urine.