A 64-year-old woman treated with chlorthalidone develops muscle cramps. Potassium is 3.0 mEq/L, bicarbonate is 32 mEq/L, and blood pressure is

Question

A 64-year-old woman treated with chlorthalidone develops muscle cramps. Potassium is 3.0 mEq/L, bicarbonate is 32 mEq/L, and blood pressure is improved. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

Accepted Answer

Renal potassium wasting with metabolic alkalosis

Answer

Insulin deficiency causing ketoacidosis

Answer

Tissue breakdown from rhabdomyolysis

Answer

Type 4 renal tubular acidosis

Answer

Adrenal insufficiency

Hypokalemia from diuretics — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 64-year-old woman treated with chlorthalidone develops muscle cramps. Potassium is 3.0 mEq/L, bicarbonate is 32 mEq/L, and blood pressure is improved. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?