Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly associated with loop diuretics?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the PANCE Precision Exam. Improve with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly associated with loop diuretics?

Explanation:
Loop diuretics block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb, so more sodium reaches the distal nephron. There, Na+ reabsorption is exchanged for K+ secretion, leading to increased potassium loss in the urine and thus hypokalemia. This potassium-wasting effect is the most characteristic electrolyte disturbance associated with loop diuretics. While loop diuretics can also raise calcium excretion (potentially lowering serum calcium) and may be tied to volume-related hyponatremia in some patients, the hallmark is low potassium.

Loop diuretics block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb, so more sodium reaches the distal nephron. There, Na+ reabsorption is exchanged for K+ secretion, leading to increased potassium loss in the urine and thus hypokalemia. This potassium-wasting effect is the most characteristic electrolyte disturbance associated with loop diuretics. While loop diuretics can also raise calcium excretion (potentially lowering serum calcium) and may be tied to volume-related hyponatremia in some patients, the hallmark is low potassium.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy