A 23-year-old girl complains of a 3-month history of malaise and generalized muscle cramps. Laboratory results reveal: serum sodium 144 mmol/L; serum potassium 2.0 mmol/L; serum bicarbonate 40 mmol/L; arterial pH 7.5. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's hypokalemic alkalemia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperaldosteronism is the most likely cause of hypokalemic alkalemia in this patient, as it leads to increased potassium excretion and bicarbonate reabsorption, resulting in low potassium levels and a high blood pH.

A 23-Year-Old Girl Complains of a 3-Month History of Malaise