Laxative overuse can cause which metabolic disturbance?

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Study for the NBME Form 13 Test with our comprehensive quiz collection, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions to ensure your readiness. Enhance your knowledge with detailed explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

Laxative overuse can cause which metabolic disturbance?

Explanation:
Laxative overuse often leads to chronic diarrhea and volume depletion. When the body detects low blood volume, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is activated. Aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption in the distal nephron in exchange for K+ and H+ secretion. This drives potassium loss (hypokalemia) and hydrogen ion loss, producing a metabolic alkalosis. Loss of chloride with stool can further favor alkalosis by reducing the kidney’s ability to excrete bicarbonate. So the combination of low potassium and a raised bicarbonate (metabolic alkalosis) fits best with laxative overuse.

Laxative overuse often leads to chronic diarrhea and volume depletion. When the body detects low blood volume, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is activated. Aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption in the distal nephron in exchange for K+ and H+ secretion. This drives potassium loss (hypokalemia) and hydrogen ion loss, producing a metabolic alkalosis. Loss of chloride with stool can further favor alkalosis by reducing the kidney’s ability to excrete bicarbonate. So the combination of low potassium and a raised bicarbonate (metabolic alkalosis) fits best with laxative overuse.

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