Which statement describes a function of potassium?

Which statement describes a function of potassium?

• A. Helps maintain fluid balance and normal function of nerves.
• B. Aids in bone health and vitamin D metabolism.
• C. Carries oxygen in the blood.
• D. Triggers insulin release.

Answer: (A)

Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte that helps regulate cellular fluid balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. Keeping potassium levels in the right range maintains the resting membrane potential, allowing nerves to fire properly and muscles to contract normally, including the heart. That’s why the statement that potassium helps maintain fluid balance and normal nerve function is the best description of its function. The other ideas point to different minerals or processes: bone health and vitamin D metabolism are more about calcium and phosphate; carrying oxygen in the blood is the role of iron in hemoglobin; and insulin release is primarily driven by glucose signaling in the pancreatic beta cells, not directly by potassium.

Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte that helps regulate cellular fluid balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. Keeping potassium levels in the right range maintains the resting membrane potential, allowing nerves to fire properly and muscles to contract normally, including the heart. That’s why the statement that potassium helps maintain fluid balance and normal nerve function is the best description of its function.

The other ideas point to different minerals or processes: bone health and vitamin D metabolism are more about calcium and phosphate; carrying oxygen in the blood is the role of iron in hemoglobin; and insulin release is primarily driven by glucose signaling in the pancreatic beta cells, not directly by potassium.