Which condition is a potential cause of hypokalemia, which can lead to PVCs?

Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is a condition that can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias, including premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). One of the potential causes of hypokalemia is chronic kidney disease (CKD). In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium and maintain balanced electrolytes, which can lead to alterations in potassium levels. While CKD typically leads to hyperkalemia as the disease progresses, initial stages or certain treatment modalities may cause the body to lose more potassium, contributing to hypokalemia.

Understanding the linkage between hypokalemia and PVCs is crucial since insufficient potassium can disrupt the electrical conduction within the heart, leading to arrhythmias such as PVCs. Therefore, when considering chronic kidney disease in the context of hypokalemia and its potential cardiac ramifications, it aligns well as a correct choice for identifying a condition that can lead to the development of PVCs when potassium levels fall.

Other options such as hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, and hypothyroidism may impact cardiac function but do not directly cause or lead to hypokalemia in the same evident manner as chronic kidney disease does. Hypocalcemia primarily affects calcium levels, which can lead to different