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Hypokalemia, which refers to a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the bloodstream, is known to affect muscle function and nerve conduction. One of the prominent symptoms associated with hypokalemia is muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs. This can manifest as a weak grip, as the muscles require adequate potassium levels to function effectively. Potassium plays a critical role in muscle contraction; therefore, insufficient levels can lead to decreased muscle strength and endurance.

While increased heart rate, nausea, and insomnia can also be encountered in various health conditions, they are not as directly indicative of hypokalemia. Increased heart rate may occur due to a compensatory response in some situations but is not a defining symptom of hypokalemia. Nausea can result from several gastrointestinal disturbances, and insomnia is commonly linked to numerous psychological and physiological factors, making these less specific for this electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, the association of a weak grip directly ties to the muscle weakness resulting from hypokalemia, validating it as the correct symptom linked to this condition.