Which of the following is a major manifestation of hypophosphatemia?

Hypophosphatemia, characterized by low phosphate levels in the blood, can lead to significant clinical manifestations due to its impact on cellular metabolism and energy production. One of the major consequences of hypophosphatemia is profound muscle weakness, which arises from the role of phosphate in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is crucial for muscle contraction, and when phosphate levels are insufficient, muscles cannot function effectively, leading to weakness.

In severe cases, this muscle weakness can extend to respiratory muscles, potentially resulting in respiratory failure. This is particularly dangerous as it compromises the ability to breathe properly and can necessitate emergency interventions. The physiological importance of phosphate in the body, especially in muscle and nerve function, underscores why profound muscle weakness is a primary manifestation of hypophosphatemia.

While severe headache, chest pain, and increased white blood cell count can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not recognized as direct or major manifestations of hypophosphatemia. Instead, the key clinical concern in this condition remains the risk of muscle weakness and its severe implications.