A patient with an acid-base imbalance has an altered potassium level. The nurse recognizes that the potassium level is altered because ________.
a. Potassium is returned to extracellular fluid when metabolic acidosis is corrected.
b. Hyperkalemia causes an alkalosis that results in potassium being shifted into the cells.
c. Acidosis causes hydrogen ions in the blood to be exchanged for potassium from the cells.
d. In alkalosis, potassium is shifted into extracellular fluid to bind excessive bicarbonate.
