Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

What adverse effect is most likely to result from chelation therapy in a 70-year-old male client preventing Alzheimer's disease?

1. High blood pressure

2. Low potassium levels

3. Increased cholesterol

4. High glucose levels

The correct answer is: Low potassium levels

Chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents that bind to heavy metals in the body, allowing for their excretion. This treatment is often discussed in the context of heavy metal poisoning, such as lead or mercury toxicity. However, it is not standard practice for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and may carry several risks. One of the key adverse effects associated with chelation therapy is the potential for low potassium levels, also known as hypokalemia. This can occur because the chelating agents can unintentionally bind to and promote the excretion of essential minerals, including potassium. In older adults, such as the 70-year-old male client mentioned, the risk of developing hypokalemia can be heightened due to pre-existing health issues or concurrent medications that affect electrolyte balance. Symptoms of low potassium levels can include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. While the other options may represent concerns in a general healthcare context, they are not specifically tied to chelation therapy. High blood pressure and high glucose levels are systemic issues that are influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and existing health conditions, but they are not direct consequences of chelation. Increased cholesterol levels also do not have