Which of the following is a cause of hypokalemia due to gastrointestinal loss?

• A. GI Loss
• B. Water retention
• C. Cellular shift
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (A)

Loss of potassium through the gastrointestinal tract can cause hypokalemia. When the GI tract loses potassium-rich fluids—such as with vomiting or diarrhea—the body’s total potassium is depleted, leading to a drop in serum potassium. This direct loss in the GI tract is the key reason for hypokalemia in these scenarios.

Water retention does not involve losing potassium via the gut. Cellular shift can lower serum potassium by moving potassium into cells (for example, with insulin or alkalosis) but it isn’t due to GI loss. Hyperkalemia is the opposite condition, high potassium, not a cause of GI-related potassium loss.