What is the symbol of the element Potassium? & x20;

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

What is the symbol of the element Potassium?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

The correct option is 'K', which is the internationally recognized chemical symbol for the element Potassium.
This symbol is derived from 'Kalium', the Neo-Latin name for potassium.
Potassium (K⁺) is the most abundant intracellular cation and a critical electrolyte for maintaining normal cell function, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction.

Option A: 'P' is the chemical symbol for the element Phosphorus, not Potassium.
Option B: 'W' is the chemical symbol for the element Tungsten.
Option D: 'Pt' is the chemical symbol for the element Platinum.

Visual 1: Infographic - A diagram showing the roles of potassium in the body, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining a regular heartbeat.
Visual 2: Chart - A chart illustrating the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia (low potassium) versus hyperkalemia (high potassium).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The chemical symbol for the element Potassium and its clinical significance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must closely monitor serum potassium levels (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) as deviations can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Patient education is crucial regarding dietary sources of potassium, especially for those on diuretics which can cause potassium loss (hypokalemia).
What if? If a patient taking Digoxin develops hypokalemia, the risk of digoxin toxicity increases significantly, even with normal digoxin levels. The nurse must monitor for signs of toxicity like nausea, vomiting, and vision changes, and report low potassium levels immediately.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from basic chemistry that is fundamental to understanding electrolyte balance in nursing.
First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Potassium'.
Recall the chemical symbol for Potassium. Many symbols are derived from Latin or other languages, not just English (e.g., Na for Sodium from Natrium, K for Potassium from Kalium).
Scan the options provided: P, W, K, Pt.
Match your recalled symbol 'K' with the options.
Select the corresponding option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The chemical symbol for the element Potassium and its clinical significance.
Stem keywords: symbol, element, Potassium
Lead-in keywords: What is

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.