Which GI symptom is associated with hypokalemia due to decreased motility?

Which GI symptom is associated with hypokalemia due to decreased motility?

• A. Constipation
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Vomiting
• D. GI bleeding

Answer: (A)

Low potassium slows the electrical activity and contractility of GI smooth muscle, so peristalsis becomes weaker and intestinal content moves more slowly. That decreased motility leads to constipation, which is the GI symptom tied to hypokalemia in this context. Diarrhea would mean increased motility, vomiting isn’t a direct result of reduced motility from low potassium, and GI bleeding is unrelated to potassium’s effect on motility. So constipation is the best choice.

Low potassium slows the electrical activity and contractility of GI smooth muscle, so peristalsis becomes weaker and intestinal content moves more slowly. That decreased motility leads to constipation, which is the GI symptom tied to hypokalemia in this context. Diarrhea would mean increased motility, vomiting isn’t a direct result of reduced motility from low potassium, and GI bleeding is unrelated to potassium’s effect on motility. So constipation is the best choice.