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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a cause of hyperkalemia?
A
Insulin overdose
B
Renal failure
C
Tissue trauma
D
Addison's disease
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'hyperkalemia': Hyperkalemia refers to an abnormally high level of potassium (K⁺) in the blood. Potassium is a critical electrolyte involved in nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining proper heart rhythm.
Review the causes of hyperkalemia: Common causes include conditions that impair potassium excretion (e.g., renal failure), release potassium from cells (e.g., tissue trauma), or reduce the effects of hormones like aldosterone (e.g., Addison's disease).
Analyze the role of insulin in potassium regulation: Insulin helps move potassium from the blood into cells. An insulin overdose would cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia, as it drives potassium out of the bloodstream.
Evaluate each option: Renal failure reduces the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium, leading to hyperkalemia. Tissue trauma causes cell damage, releasing potassium into the bloodstream. Addison's disease reduces aldosterone levels, impairing potassium excretion. Insulin overdose, however, lowers blood potassium levels, making it the correct answer.
Conclude that the correct answer is the option that does not cause hyperkalemia: Insulin overdose is the exception because it leads to hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.