Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

A patient taking a thiazides diuretic is primarily at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

1. Hypokalemia

2. Hyperkalemia

3. Hypocalcemia

4. Hypercalcemia

The correct answer is: Hypokalemia

Thiazide diuretics primarily promote the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, but they also have a significant impact on potassium levels. The mechanism by which thiazides function leads to increased potassium loss, making patients who are on these medications particularly vulnerable to hypokalemia. This condition occurs when potassium levels in the blood drop below the normal range. In the context of thiazide usage, the risk for hypokalemia arises because these diuretics inhibit sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. As sodium is excreted, potassium is secreted in exchange to maintain electrical charge balance, leading to a reduction in potassium levels. Common signs of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and fatigue, which can have significant implications for patients' overall health and well-being. Monitoring potassium levels in patients receiving thiazide diuretics is essential, and appropriate dietary advice or potassium supplementation may be necessary to mitigate this risk. Understanding this important aspect of thiazide diuretics helps healthcare providers manage patient care effectively and address potential complications.