What general symptom might a patient with hypokalemia experience?

A patient with hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, commonly experiences muscle weakness. Potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function, as it is essential for muscle contraction and the transmission of electrical signals within the cells. When potassium levels fall too low, muscle cells can become less excitable, leading to reduced strength and muscle fatigue. This weakness can affect various muscle groups, including the limbs and the respiratory muscles, which can be particularly concerning.

Other symptoms of hypokalemia may include cramping and, in more severe cases, respiratory failure, but muscle weakness is one of the most prominent and easily identifiable symptoms. The other options listed do not directly correlate with hypokalemia in the same way that muscle weakness does. For example, diarrhea can sometimes lead to loss of potassium but is not a symptom of hypokalemia itself, while high fever and severe headache are more indicative of other medical conditions.