Question:

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Measurement of plasma or serum potassium is not a reliable indicator of body potassium status
Reason R: Potassium being intracellular cation, estimation of potassium in RBCs gives better reflection of body potassium status
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Since \( 98\% \) of potassium is intracellular, extracellular (serum) levels can be normal or high even in the presence of severe total-body potassium depletion.
  • Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • A is false but R is true
  • A is true but R is false
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Potassium (\(\text{K}^+\)) is the primary intracellular cation in the animal body.
It is essential for maintaining cell volume, acid-base balance, and the resting membrane potential of excitable tissues.
Understanding its distribution between intracellular and extracellular compartments is critical for diagnosing electrolyte imbalances.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Assertion A: Approximately \( 98\% \) of the body's total potassium is located within the intracellular fluid (ICF), while only \( 2\% \) resides in the extracellular fluid (ECF), which includes plasma and serum. Because of this distribution, transcellular shifts of potassium (e.g., during acid-base disturbances) can significantly alter serum potassium concentration without reflecting changes in total body potassium stores. Thus, measuring plasma or serum potassium alone is not a reliable indicator of total body potassium status. Assertion A is true.
- Reason R: Erythrocytes (RBCs) contain high concentrations of intracellular potassium, maintained by the \(\text{Na}^+\)-\(\text{K}^+\) ATPase pump. Measuring potassium levels within red blood cells provides a more accurate reflection of the intracellular electrolyte compartment and total body potassium stores than measuring extracellular serum levels. Thus, Reason R is true and provides the physiological explanation for Assertion A.

Step 2: Final Answer:

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
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