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Hypertension follow-up hypokalemia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Hypertension follow-up hypokalemiaUSMLE Step 3

A 55-year-old man returns 1 month after starting chlorthalidone for stage 1 hypertension. Home blood pressures average 124/76 mm Hg. He feels well. Potassium is 3.2 mEq/L, creatinine is unchanged, and ECG is normal. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

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Correct answer: C — Address thiazide-associated hypokalemia and recheck electrolytes

Thiazide diuretics can cause hypokalemia; persistent low potassium should be corrected with dose adjustment, potassium supplementation, or a potassium-sparing strategy and monitoring.

Reference: ACC/AHA hypertension guideline