Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is associated with hypokalemia?

1. Elevated heart rate

2. Leg cramps

3. Cold extremities

4. Chest pain

The correct answer is: Leg cramps

The symptom associated with hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is leg cramps. Hypokalemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability and increased muscle excitability, which often manifests as muscle cramps, particularly in the legs. These cramps can occur due to impaired muscle function from the lack of potassium, as this electrolyte is crucial for normal muscle contraction and nerve function. While elevated heart rate, cold extremities, and chest pain can be associated with other medical conditions, they are not direct symptoms of hypokalemia. Elevated heart rate may indicate other electrolyte imbalances or stress, cold extremities could point to peripheral circulation issues, and chest pain is a more complex symptom that could arise from numerous factors including cardiovascular, respiratory, or gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, the presence of leg cramps serves as a more classic and specific indicator of hypokalemia.