Which electrolyte abnormality is commonly seen in acute tubular necrosis?

Which electrolyte abnormality is commonly seen in acute tubular necrosis?

• A. Hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia
• B. Hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hyponatremia only

Answer: (D)

In acute tubular necrosis, the damaged tubules can’t excrete potassium or phosphate effectively, so these electrolytes accumulate in the blood. That leads to hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, which are the classic electrolyte patterns you’d expect with intrinsic renal failure. Sodium balance can vary and hyponatremia is not the defining feature of ATN, though it may occur in certain fluid- and volume-related scenarios. Hypercalcemia is not typical of ATN. So the best match is the combination reflecting impaired excretion of potassium and phosphate.

In acute tubular necrosis, the damaged tubules can’t excrete potassium or phosphate effectively, so these electrolytes accumulate in the blood. That leads to hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, which are the classic electrolyte patterns you’d expect with intrinsic renal failure. Sodium balance can vary and hyponatremia is not the defining feature of ATN, though it may occur in certain fluid- and volume-related scenarios. Hypercalcemia is not typical of ATN. So the best match is the combination reflecting impaired excretion of potassium and phosphate.