Q: Correction of which of the following electrolyte abnormality has direct association with improvement of hepatic encephalopathy?

A) Hyponatremia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypomagnesemia
E) Hypophosphatemia 



Answer:  B

Almost 50 years ago it was determined that hypokalemia increases the renal ammonia production and so correction of hypokalemia has direct and significant effect on treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.



Reference:

Gabduzda GJ, Hall PW 3rd. Relation of potassium depletion to renal ammonium metabolism and hepatic coma. Medicine (Baltimore) 1966; 45:481.