Which electrolyte abnormality is described in OPD7243?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypomagnesemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is recognizing low potassium (hypokalemia) from the clinical picture and tests described.

Hypokalemia shows up with symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramps, sometimes along with constipation or smooth muscle issues. On the ECG, you’d often see flattened or inverted T waves and the appearance of U waves, along with possible ST-segment depression. A serum potassium below the normal range (usually <3.5 mEq/L) confirms the diagnosis.

In outpatient settings, low potassium is commonly due to GI losses (vomiting, diarrhea), certain medications such as loop or thiazide diuretics, or renal potassium wasting. These clues help distinguish it from other electrolyte problems: hyperkalemia would tend to cause weakness with characteristic ECG changes like tall, peaked T waves and widening of the QRS; hypercalcemia brings symptoms like polyuria, polydipsia, abdominal stones, and constipation with a different set of ECG and smooth-muscle effects; hypomagnesemia can accompany low potassium and cause similar problems, but the vignette points specifically to potassium deficiency rather than magnesium deficiency.