Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly seen in patients treated with diuretics?

Diuretics are medications that promote renal excretion of water and electrolytes, primarily sodium and potassium. The most common electrolyte imbalance observed in patients treated with diuretics, especially loop diuretics and thiazides, is hypokalemia.

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, and thiazides, like hydrochlorothiazide, inhibit sodium reabsorption in the nephron, leading to increased potassium excretion. This enhanced urinary loss of potassium often results in levels dropping below normal, causing hypokalemia. Patients are typically monitored for this condition, especially if they exhibit symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramping, or cardiac arrhythmias.

The other options mentioned may occur under specific circumstances or with certain medications but are not the primary concern associated with diuretic therapy. For example, hyperkalemia is more likely associated with potassium-sparing diuretics rather than the ones that commonly cause hypokalemia. Hypocalcemia can occur in some cases, but it is not a typical effect of diuretic treatment. Lastly, hypernatremia usually results from fluid loss without adequate sodium replacement but is not the primary concern in the context of diuretic use.

In summary, hypokalemia is