A man with hypertension takes a diuretic that is not potassium-sparing,and he does not increase his ingestion of potassium.Which of the following side-effects would the drug be most likely to cause?

Question

A man with hypertension takes a diuretic that is not potassium-sparing,and he does not increase his ingestion of potassium.Which of the following side-effects would the drug be most likely to cause?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diuretic would cause increased excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which can be dangerous for a patient with hypertension. Choice A is incorrect because a diuretic would actually decrease blood volume. Choice B is incorrect because depolarized neuronal cell membranes are not a side effect of a potassium-wasting diuretic. Choice C is incorrect because hyperkalemia is not a side effect but rather the opposite of what would occur due to potassium-wasting diuretics.

A Man with Hypertension Takes a Diuretic That Is Not