What clinical sign is associated with severe hypokalemia?

Severe hypokalemia is a significant deficiency of potassium in the blood, which can lead to various clinical manifestations due to its critical role in neuromuscular function. Flaccid paralysis is closely associated with severe hypokalemia. This condition occurs because potassium is essential for the normal functioning of muscle cells, including skeletal and smooth muscles. In the case of potassium depletion, muscle cells may become less excitable, which can result in weakness or paralysis.

In severe cases, this flaccid paralysis may affect respiratory muscles, posing a substantial risk to the patient. The paralysis is characterized by decreased muscle tone and strength, presenting as a marked weakness that may affect the patient's ability to perform voluntary movements.

While other options such as constipation can also be seen in the context of hypokalemia due to its effect on gastrointestinal motility (the slowing down of peristalsis), flaccid paralysis is a more immediate and serious consequence of critically low potassium levels. Nasal congestion or seizures may occur due to other reasons unrelated to potassium levels and are not specific signs associated with severe hypokalemia.