The antidote to warfarin toxicity is what?

Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) that increase the excretion of potassium in the urine. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the function of nerves and muscles, including the heart.Low potassium levels can cause symptoms such as confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and nausea, which are consistent with the patient’s presentation.

Choice B, renal failure, is wrong because furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by kidney disease, not to cause it.Renal failure would also cause symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which are not mentioned in the question.

Choice C, hyperkalemia, is wrong because hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by kidney disease or certain medications that decrease the excretion of potassium in the urine.Hyperkalemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, and chest pain, which are different from the patient’s symptoms.

Choice D, heart failure, is wrong because furosemide is also used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by heart failure, not to cause it.Heart failure would also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and rapid weight gain, which are not mentioned in the question.

Normal ranges for potassium levels in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) for adults and 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L for children.

A level below 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemic and a level above 5.0 mEq/L is considered hyperkalemic.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 74% of all deaths. NCDs are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.The main risk factors for NCDs are modifiable behaviours, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and the harmful use of alcohol.These behaviours can lead to metabolic risk factors, such as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids and obesity, which in turn increase the risk of developing NCDs. Therefore, lifestyle changes that reduce these risk factors can prevent or delay many NCDs and improve health outcomes.

Choice A is wrong because trauma is not a major contributing factor to many diseases.Trauma is an injury or damage to living tissue caused by an external force, such as accidents, violence or natural disasters.Trauma can result in acute or chronic conditions, such as infections, fractures, burns, bleeding or organ failure.

However, trauma is not a common cause of NCDs, which are the main burden of disease globally.

Choice C is wrong because congenital factors are not the greatest contributing factor to many diseases.Congenital factors are those that are present at birth, such as genetic disorders, birth defects or inherited diseases.Congenital factors can affect the development and function of various organs and systems in the body, leading to various health problems.

However, congenital factors are not the main cause of NCDs, which are largely influenced by environmental and behavioural factors.

Choice D is wrong because genetics is not the greatest contributing factor to many diseases.

Genetics is the study of how traits are inherited and expressed in living organisms.

Genetics can influence the susceptibility and resistance to various diseases, as well as the response to treatment and prevention strategies.

However, genetics is not the sole determinant of health and disease, as environmental and behavioural factors also play a significant role in modulating gene expression and function.