In chronic kidney disease, hyperkalemia is typically associated with which acid-base disturbance?

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Multiple Choice

In chronic kidney disease, hyperkalemia is typically associated with which acid-base disturbance?

Explanation:
In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys can’t excrete acids or potassium effectively, leading to metabolic acidosis with low bicarbonate. That acidosis causes hydrogen ions to enter cells in exchange for potassium, so potassium moves out into the extracellular space and elevates serum potassium. At the same time, reduced nephron mass decreases distal potassium secretion, further worsening hyperkalemia. So hyperkalemia in CKD is classically linked to metabolic acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis, which tends to be associated with lower potassium.

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys can’t excrete acids or potassium effectively, leading to metabolic acidosis with low bicarbonate. That acidosis causes hydrogen ions to enter cells in exchange for potassium, so potassium moves out into the extracellular space and elevates serum potassium. At the same time, reduced nephron mass decreases distal potassium secretion, further worsening hyperkalemia. So hyperkalemia in CKD is classically linked to metabolic acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis, which tends to be associated with lower potassium.

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