What factor can cause potassium (K+) levels to increase?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Crush injuries
• C. Low dietary intake
• D. Hyperventilation

Answer: (B)

An increase in potassium (K+) levels can be caused by crush injuries due to the release of intracellular potassium into the bloodstream. When muscle cells are damaged, as can occur in crush injuries, potassium stored inside these cells leaks into the extracellular fluid and subsequently enters the bloodstream. This phenomenon can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood, which can pose serious health risks, including cardiac complications.

The other factors mentioned do not typically lead to an increase in potassium levels. For instance, diarrhea usually results in a loss of potassium as the electrolytes are excreted in the stool. Low dietary intake of potassium would naturally lead to decreased levels in the body, and hyperventilation primarily affects carbon dioxide levels and does not significantly influence potassium balance. Therefore, crush injuries are specifically recognized as a critical factor contributing to elevated potassium levels.