A patient receiving diuretics is at risk of which of the following?
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypercalcemia
Hypercapnea
Explanations
Incorrect. Diuretic use does not cause hyperkalemia (high potassium).
Correct. Diuretic use may cause hypokalemia (low potassium). Diuretic use helps eliminate sodium and water through the patient’s urine. However, most diuretics also eliminate potassium as well.
Incorrect. Diuretic use does not cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).
Incorrect. Diuretic use does not cause high hypercapnea (high carbon dioxide).