Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which condition may cause an electrolyte deficiency with villous adenoma?

1. Hyponatremia

2. Hyperkalemia

3. Hypokalemia

4. Hypocalcemia

The correct answer is: Hypokalemia

Villous adenomas, which are a type of polyp found in the colon, can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances due to their potential for causing secretory diarrhea. This type of diarrhea results from the excessive secretion of fluids and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, often leading to a loss of potassium. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is particularly common in cases of secretory diarrhea associated with villous adenomas because the ongoing loss of potassium in the stool exceeds dietary intake and renal absorption. This results in a deficiency that can have serious implications, as potassium is crucial for many physiological functions, including muscle contraction and nerve function. While other electrolyte disturbances such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or hypocalcemia can occur in various other conditions, the specific association of vilous adenomas and secretory diarrhea distinctly links them to hypokalemia due to the mechanism of potassium loss through diarrhea. Thus, recognizing the relationship between villous adenomas and hypokalemia is essential for effective diagnosis and management of patients with this type of polyp.