If a patient's pH is low, what is the expected effect on potassium (K+) levels?

When a patient's pH is low, indicating acidosis, potassium levels in the blood are expected to increase. This occurs because of the relationship between hydrogen ions and potassium in the body's buffering mechanisms. In acidosis, excess hydrogen ions move into the cells to help reduce acidity in the blood. To maintain electrical neutrality, potassium ions move out of the cells and into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

This physiological response is crucial because it affects cardiac function and many other aspects of homeostasis. Monitoring potassium levels in patients with acidosis is important to prevent potential cardiac arrhythmias and other complications associated with elevated potassium levels.