Which electrolyte disturbance occurs as a result of phosphorus retention during kidney injury?

Which electrolyte disturbance occurs as a result of phosphorus retention during kidney injury?

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

Answer: (C)

Phosphorus retention during kidney injury causes hyperphosphatemia. The excess phosphate binds calcium, lowering serum calcium levels (especially ionized calcium), which leads to hypocalcemia. The kidneys also fail to activate vitamin D, reducing calcium absorption from the gut and further contributing to low calcium. This combination explains why hypocalcemia is the disturbance seen with phosphorus retention. Hyperkalemia and hypernatremia relate to other imbalances from kidney failure, and hypophosphatemia would be the opposite scenario of phosphate loss rather than retention.

Phosphorus retention during kidney injury causes hyperphosphatemia. The excess phosphate binds calcium, lowering serum calcium levels (especially ionized calcium), which leads to hypocalcemia. The kidneys also fail to activate vitamin D, reducing calcium absorption from the gut and further contributing to low calcium. This combination explains why hypocalcemia is the disturbance seen with phosphorus retention. Hyperkalemia and hypernatremia relate to other imbalances from kidney failure, and hypophosphatemia would be the opposite scenario of phosphate loss rather than retention.