165k views
4 votes
How else can inadequate urinary excretion lead to hyperkalemia (serum potassium over 5.1 mEq/Liter)?

a) Inadequate intake of dietary potassium
b) Increased gastrointestinal absorption of potassium
c) Impaired renal function or renal failure
d) Elevated aldosterone levels

User Johny
by
6.9k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Inadequate urinary excretion, impaired renal function or renal failure, severe dehydration, Addison's disease, and elevated aldosterone levels can all lead to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium blood level).

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperkalemia, an elevated potassium blood level, can occur due to various factors. One possible cause is inadequate urinary excretion, which can be a result of impaired renal function or renal failure. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to remove excess potassium from the blood, leading to hyperkalemia.

Other factors that can contribute to hyperkalemia include severe dehydration and Addison's disease, which decreases potassium excretion by the kidneys. Elevated aldosterone levels, on the other hand, can actually help in potassium excretion.

In summary, inadequate urinary excretion, caused by impaired renal function or renal failure, can lead to hyperkalemia (serum potassium over 5.1 mEq/Liter). Other factors such as severe dehydration, Addison's disease, and elevated aldosterone levels can also contribute to elevated potassium levels in the blood.

User Claudina
by
8.4k points