Hyperkalemia can lead to which serious event?

• A. Cardiac arrest
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Dehydration
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (A)

High potassium levels disrupt the heart’s electrical activity by altering the resting membrane potential and slowing conduction. This can produce dangerous rhythm disturbances, and if these disturbances become severe, the heart can stop beating. That progression makes cardiac arrest the most serious potential outcome of hyperkalemia, which is why it’s the best answer. While hyperkalemia can cause arrhythmias, dehydration and hypokalemia are not direct consequences of high potassium, and the question is asking for the most severe event that can occur.