Which is a possible complication of AKI in pregnancy?

Which is a possible complication of AKI in pregnancy?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Answer: (A)

In acute kidney injury, the kidneys lose the ability to excrete potassium effectively, so potassium builds up in the blood. This makes hyperkalemia a possible and high-risk complication in pregnancy when AKI occurs. The elevated potassium can affect cardiac conduction and rhythm, which is why it’s a critical concern and must be monitored and treated promptly. While other electrolyte disturbances can occur, such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypernatremia, they are not as directly tied to the primary problem of reduced kidney excretion as hyperkalemia is.

In acute kidney injury, the kidneys lose the ability to excrete potassium effectively, so potassium builds up in the blood. This makes hyperkalemia a possible and high-risk complication in pregnancy when AKI occurs. The elevated potassium can affect cardiac conduction and rhythm, which is why it’s a critical concern and must be monitored and treated promptly. While other electrolyte disturbances can occur, such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypernatremia, they are not as directly tied to the primary problem of reduced kidney excretion as hyperkalemia is.