Which of the following are recognized contributors to potassium loss (LESS K)?

• A. Acute diarrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. Thiazide diuretics
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Potassium loss happens when the body sheds potassium through the gut or the kidneys, and the factors listed each promote that loss. Acute diarrhea directly dumps potassium in the stool and also causes volume depletion, which triggers the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and increases renal potassium excretion. Vomiting removes gastric contents and, with the accompanying fluid loss, stimulates aldosterone release, again driving potassium loss in the kidneys. Thiazide diuretics act in the distal tubule to promote sodium delivery to the collecting duct; this enhances potassium secretion into the urine, lowering potassium levels. Since all three pathways contribute to reducing potassium in the body, the correct choice is that all of these factors can cause potassium loss.