In which of the following locations does chemical breakdown of protein begin?

A. The pulmonic valve separates the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery, controlling blood flow to the lungs, not the right atrium from the right ventricle.
B. The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle, allowing blood to flow from the atrium into the ventricle before it is pumped to the lungs.
C. The aortic valve separates the left ventricle from the aorta, controlling blood flow from the heart to the body, not between the atrium and ventricle.
D. The mitral valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle, controlling blood flow in the left side of the heart.

A. Low blood pressure is not typically associated with elevated potassium levels. While severe hyperkalemia can impact the cardiovascular system, it does not directly cause low blood pressure as a primary symptom.

B. Rapid respirations are generally associated with conditions like acidosis or respiratory distress but are not a primary consequence of elevated potassium levels.

C. Elevated potassium levels are not typically associated with constipation. In fact, hyperkalemia can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal cramping, but constipation is more commonly linked to conditions like low potassium levels (hypokalemia).

D. Elevated potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, can cause cardiac irregularities such as arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly. This is the most significant and direct effect of high potassium levels in the blood.