A 46-year-old man complains of progressive muscle weakness. Laboratory studies show a serum pH of 7.6, HCO₃^- of 32 mEq/L, and an elevated plasma aldosterone concentration. The most likely cause of muscle weakness in this patient is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and lab results suggest a condition of metabolic alkalosis (elevated serum pH) and hypokalemia (implied by elevated plasma aldosterone concentration, which promotes potassium excretion). Hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, making it the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms.

A 46-Year-Old Man Complains of Progressive Muscle Weakness