What electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with Type 4 renal tubular acidosis?

Type 4 renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is primarily characterized by a defect in the secretion of hydrogen ions and the reabsorption of sodium in the distal nephron, typically associated with a condition such as diabetes or a decrease in aldosterone activity. This renal tubular dysfunction leads to metabolic acidosis, and a hallmark feature of Type 4 RTA is hyperkalemia.

In this condition, the inability to adequately excrete potassium results in its accumulation in the blood, leading to elevated serum potassium levels. The aldosterone-deficiency aspect means that the kidneys are more prone to retain potassium rather than excrete it. Therefore, hyperkalemia is the correct answer as it directly relates to the pathophysiology of Type 4 RTA.

The other options do not align with the pathophysiological mechanisms of Type 4 RTA. Hypernatremia is often related to water loss rather than an issue with sodium handling, hypochloremia implies a loss of chloride, which typically is not prominent in Type 4 RTA, and hypomagnesemia suggests magnesium loss, which also does not correlate with the primary defects seen in Type 4 RTA.