Which option lists the correct potassium concentration range for jejunal fluid?

Which option lists the correct potassium concentration range for jejunal fluid?

• A. 20-30 mEq/L
• B. 10-20 mEq/L
• C. 0-5 mEq/L
• D. 5-15 mEq/L

Answer: (D)

Potassium in the upper small intestine lumen remains modest because the jejunum absorbs much of the secreted K+ as chyme passes through. In routine GI loss assessments for nutrition support, jejunal fluid potassium is typically in a low-to-moderate range, around 5 to 15 mEq/L. This reflects the balance of ongoing absorption with luminal secretions in the jejunum and distinguishes it from higher potassium losses seen in other segments (for example, ileal effluent can be higher due to different secretion/absorption dynamics). Values much lower than this are not expected for jejunal fluid, while much higher values point to losses from other parts of the GI tract. Therefore, 5–15 mEq/L best matches the typical jejunal fluid range.

Potassium in the upper small intestine lumen remains modest because the jejunum absorbs much of the secreted K+ as chyme passes through. In routine GI loss assessments for nutrition support, jejunal fluid potassium is typically in a low-to-moderate range, around 5 to 15 mEq/L. This reflects the balance of ongoing absorption with luminal secretions in the jejunum and distinguishes it from higher potassium losses seen in other segments (for example, ileal effluent can be higher due to different secretion/absorption dynamics). Values much lower than this are not expected for jejunal fluid, while much higher values point to losses from other parts of the GI tract. Therefore, 5–15 mEq/L best matches the typical jejunal fluid range.