Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Excessive potassium in the bloodstream can primarily lead to which condition?

1. Cardiac arrest

2. Muscle spasms

3. Joint pain

4. Nerve damage

The correct answer is: Cardiac arrest

Excessive potassium in the bloodstream, known as hyperkalemia, can significantly impact heart function. The heart muscle cells are particularly sensitive to potassium levels, and an imbalance can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart. This disruption can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, which can progress to cardiac arrest if not managed promptly and effectively. While hyperkalemia may also contribute to other conditions such as muscle spasms or nerve dysfunction due to its role in muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission, the most critical and immediate risk associated with high potassium levels is the impact on cardiac function. Therefore, cardiac arrest is recognized as the most severe and primary condition resulting from elevated potassium levels in the bloodstream.